Legal Definitions - silent record

A silent record is a type of record that does not show that a defendant made a voluntary and informed decision about their legal rights. This can include entering a plea, waiving the right to an attorney, or taking any other action that affects their legal rights.

• If a defendant's plea is not recorded in the court's records, it may be considered a silent record.
• If a defendant is not informed of their right to an attorney and they proceed without one, it may also be considered a silent record.

These examples illustrate how a silent record can occur when important legal decisions are not properly documented, which can have serious consequences for the defendant's rights and the outcome of their case.