Rule 26.5 Pronouncement of Judgment and Sentence

When someone is found guilty or not guilty, a judge must announce the decision in open court while the defendant is present. This gets written into the court's official record. If someone is found not guilty, or if they have some other legal right to be released, the judge must formally enter that decision too.

When it comes to sentencing, judges have to follow a few specific steps. First, the defendant gets a chance to speak up for themselves, either in person or through their lawyer, before the judge decides on a sentence. Second, the judge must tell the defendant that they'll get credit for any time already spent in jail on this case, since that time counts toward the final sentence. Finally, the judge has to clearly explain what the sentence actually means, so the defendant understands exactly what's happening to them.

This rule exists to make sure defendants are treated fairly and know what's going on with their case. It gives them a voice before punishment is decided, and it makes sure they walk away understanding their sentence and knowing that time already served will count.