Large numbers of relatively simple cases involving low-level offending where the defendant pleads guilty, need not involve lawyers or go to a formal court hearing, he says.

The defendant pleads not guilty, your honor.

If the defendant pleads guilty then he can be sentenced in either court.

If the defendant pleads guilty or no contest, the court sentences the defendant or places the defendant on probation.

If a defendant pleads not guilty, previous convictions are not usually made known to the jury during the trial.