If a defendant refuses to plead, what must the court do?

• A. True
• B. Dismiss case
• C. Appoint new counsel
• D. False

Answer: (A)

When a defendant refuses to plead, the court must enter a plea of not guilty on the defendant’s behalf. This keeps the case moving forward—arrest, arraignment, and subsequent steps like pretrial motions, setting a trial date, and addressing bail or counsel can proceed. Refusal to plead doesn’t end the case or require dismissal; it simply allows the proceedings to continue with the not guilty plea, after which the defendant can still change the plea with proper guidance. Automatic dismissal or other remedies aren’t required just because the defendant won’t plead.