This form is a sample letter in Word format covering the subject matter of the title of the form.
Pleading No Contest Vs Guilty In Phoenix
Category:
State:
Multi-State
City:
Phoenix
Control #:
US-0018LTR
Format:
Word;
Rich Text
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Description
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FAQ
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.
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 plea of no contest may be accepted only after the court gives due consideration to the parties' views and to the interest of the public in the effective administration of justice.
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.
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.
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.
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.
More info
"No Contest" – This plea is less often used. In effect, the end result is similar to accepting a guilty plea, but without actually admitting guilt.A plea of nocontest will lead to a criminal conviction, just as a guilty plea would. However, an admission of guilt can be used against you in a civil case. When an accused pleads no contest, he or she accepts the conviction but does not admit guilt. A guilty plea is equivalent to a no contest plea. The terms guilty plea and a no-contest plea are often used interchangeably. Submitting a nocontest plea will have almost the same effect as entering a guilty plea, without you admitting guilt. No, pleading no contest will get you exactly the same points and fine as the original ticket. If you choose to plead "no contest" it means you hold that you do not accept guilt and you are not guilty of the charges.
