Related Clues:

• Accepted a lesser charge, say
• Spoke to a judge, say
• Responded, legally
• Got down on one's knees, maybe
• Made one’s case
• Was appealing?
• Said "Guilty," perhaps
• Got on one's knees, maybe
• Answered charges
• Protected action involving ward
• Made a case in court
• *Said "Not guilty," perhaps
• Said "Not guilty," for example
• Declared in court
• Expressed one's innocence, say