Why plead "no contest" ?
Find answers to your legal question.
Why plead "no contest" ?
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When before a judge, accused of something, you may enter a plea of guilty, not guilty or "no contest". No contest is the same as guilty, but without argument. Is there a fourth option, one where you're not pleading guilty but you don't want to go to trial. One where you just want to let the judge hear your side of the story, and let him decide, one way or the other ? With a no contest plea, the judge just says ok, and then decides your sentence, or fine. So why even bother with "no contest", why not just plead "not guilty", and let it run it's course ?
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Citicop
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No contest is not admitting guilt, but admitting that the government can prove it's case against you.
It is the same thing as pleading guilty, the only difference is that if there is the possibility of a civil lawsuit over the actions that led to the criminal charges, the "no contest" plea will not affect the lawsuit, when a guilty plea would.
The reason there is no fourth option like you describe is that if the judge did that, he would hear your side of the story, but not the other side. It would be unfair to make a decision with only one side of the story. |
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CAT^
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You would plea no contest when the odds are that you would be convicted at trial. You'll receive a lighter sentence, or fine. No fourth option. |
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Greg K
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No contest usually means that YOU don't feel that you are guilty but you are agreeing to the truth of the facts written in the complaint. You can plea no contest with an explanation where you can explain and a judge for a misdemeaner will decide your fate. Also a no contest plea with a finding of guilt can not be held against you in a civil manner connection with the original complaint. |
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davidmi711
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No contest is NOT the same as pleading guilty. It is a plead that basically says "I am innocent, however I believe I will be convicted." There are some advantages, particularly if later on down the line new evidence were to turn up. |
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Robert J
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WIll save you a lot of hassel. Usually will give you a lighter sentence. |
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f100_supersabre
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You have them confused.
Guilty, Judge says OK and sentences.
No contest, you get to explain, THEN the judge makes a decision, (admitedly, USUALLY guilty.)
Not Guilty, you want a trial. |
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Nubbin
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saying no contest will give u a lighter sentence. and it saves u stress and money |
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