Rule 33.11 Record of Proceedings

When someone pleads guilty or no contest in court, every word spoken during that hearing must be recorded and saved. This is not just a formality. The recording protects both the defendant and the court if questions come up later about what happened.

The record must capture several specific things. It must show that the defendant chose to plead guilty on their own, without being forced or pressured. It must also show that the judge explained the defendant's rights and what the plea means. The record must include the judge's check to make sure the facts actually support the guilty plea.

If the judge decides to reject a plea deal, the recording must also capture the judge telling the defendant about that rejection and explaining that the defendant can take back their guilty plea before being sentenced.