Pleading No Contest Vs Guilty In Clark
Description
Form popularity
FAQ
Pleading not guilty provides you with the opportunity to fully explore all possible defenses and legal strategies. This ensures that justice is served in the most equitable manner possible, taking into account all relevant factors and circumstances.
If it's clear that you are going to be found guilty anyway because the evidence is against you, pleading guilty early will get you a better deal when you are sentenced - eg, less time in prison, or a lesser fine.
The fear of a potentially harsher sentence if found guilty at trial can lead some people to plead guilty to crimes they didn't commit. Additionally, factors like pressure from law enforcement, lack of resources to mount a defense, or misunderstanding of legal rights can also contribute to false guilty pleas.
You may be able to enter into a favorable plea agreement with the prosecutor if you agree to plead guilty. They may drop the charges to a less serious offense or agree to reduce your sentence. This can be extremely beneficial, especially if you face a jail or prison sentence.
Both misdemeanor and felony convictions remain on your record indefinitely. A no-contest plea will result in a permanent criminal record for both types of offenses unless you successfully petition for expungement or an order of nondisclosure (sealing).
Not Guilty You can later decide to change your plea to guilty or no contest if you wish. If you plead not guilty you will have a pretrial conference to try to settle your case. There is no penalty for pleading not guilty. Your sentence will not be more severe or less severe based merely on how you plead.
Pleading guilty means you admit that you committed the crime. Pleading no contest (“nolo contendere”) means accepting the conviction but avoiding a factual admission of guilt.
Pleading not guilty means that you say you didn't do the crime. Or that you did, but you had an excuse which the law recognises as a defence. The court will then have a trial to decide whether you're guilty. If the court decides that you are guilty, you'll be convicted. The court will decide what sentence to give you.
Pleading guilty means you admit that you committed the crime. Pleading no contest (“nolo contendere”) means accepting the conviction but avoiding a factual admission of guilt.
