What is needed for a sheriff to place a defendant in jail according to the certified copy of judgment and sentence?

To place a defendant in jail, the sheriff must have a certified copy of the judgment and sentence. This document is crucial because it serves as the legal authority that outlines the terms of the judicial decision regarding the defendant's case. The judgment and sentence detail the offense, the punishment to be administered, and confirm that the court has made a formal ruling against the defendant. Without this certified documentation, the sheriff would lack the necessary legal basis to detain the individual.

In contrast, a verbal agreement from the judge does not provide a formal or verifiable record of the court’s decision and lacks the permanence and authority of a written judgment. Similarly, a certified copy of the judge’s recommendation, while potentially informative, does not equate to the official order to incarcerate the defendant. Finally, information from the defendant’s lawyer may provide context or additional insights but does not carry the weight of legal authority needed for jail placement. Thus, having the certified copy of the judgment and sentence is the essential requirement for the sheriff to take action to incarcerate a defendant legally.