Pleading No Contest Vs Guilty In Collin
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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).
You admit to the allegation. No contest means that you do not admit to actually committing the allegation, you merely admit that the State can produce sufficient evidence for you to be found guilty. In general, no contest is the better way to go, but it probably wouldn't make much difference in your situation.
A guilty plea is an affirmative admission of guilt. A no contest plea is not. Therefore if there are possible civil liability ramifications, such as responsibility for an auto accident, its better to plea no contest, if possible.
The difference between a plea of guilty and no contest is that the no contest plea may not later be used against you in a civil suit for damages.
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.
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).
How Long Does a No-Contest Plea Stay on Your Record in Texas? 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).
By maintaining a not guilty plea, you retain the leverage needed to negotiate a more favorable plea agreement. This could result in lesser charges, reduced sentences, or alternative sentencing options that might not be available if you initially plead guilty.
Some people worry that if they plead “not guilty,” when they feel they are really guilty, that it could hurt them later. Please do not worry.
