If a defendant pleads guilty or nolo contendere, which action does the judge typically take?

• A. Enter a judgment
• B. Dismiss the case
• C. Set a trial date
• D. Release the defendant

Answer: (A)

When a defendant pleads guilty or no contest, the court’s next step is to formalize the disposition by entering a judgment. This judgment records the conviction on the case docket and sets the framework for sentencing, which may occur immediately or at a later hearing depending on the plea agreement and local rules. Dismissing the case would skip a conviction and end the matter without judgment of guilt. Setting a trial date is for cases going to trial, not ones resolved by a plea. Releasing the defendant is not the standard procedural step tied to a guilty or no-contest plea; release decisions relate to bail, custody status, or post-conviction conditions and occur under different circumstances.