Your Plea

Your Plea

judge's gavel

In every case in which you are the defendant, you will be required to enter a plea of guilty, no contest, or not guilty.

Guilty

A plea of guilty means that you are admitting that you did what the state accuses you of doing. It will result in a conviction for the charge or charges.

No Contest

A plea of no contest, or nolo contendere, means that you are not admitting guilt and not denying it. You are saying that you do not intend to contest the charge(s). In this case, the judge will find you guilty of the charge(s). It will result in a conviction for the charge(s) and the provisions under “guilty” above apply. There are some advantages to the no contest plea, especially if you were involved in a traffic accident.

Not Guilty

A plea of not guilty means that you are denying the charge(s) and are demanding that the state prove the allegations at trial “beyond a reasonable doubt.” You should plead not guilty if you wish to contest the charges and have a trial. If you are not sure what to do, or if you are confused, or if you want to think about it further, you may enter a not guilty plea or ask the judge for a continuance of the arraignment. 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.

Pretrial Hearing or Other Hearing Scheduled

A pre-trial appearance is a chance for you to meet with the deputy district attorney handling your case. He or she will have reviewed the file and your record prior to the hearing, and determine if negotiating your case is a good alternative. You must attend any future court dates set in your case.

You will receive a yellow return to court slip. It will have the date, time, location, and the type of hearing scheduled. Failure to appear for a hearing may result in a warrant being issued for your arrest, without further notice.

Your Rights

Some offenses, such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, carry enhancement penalties for subsequent convictions. Convictions may also result in a violation of probation or parole, if applicable, and/or the recharging of a complaint that has been deferred.

You should seek the advice of legal counsel before entering a guilty or no contest plea to a gross misdemeanor or felony. You give up your constitutional rights by pleading guilty or no contest. You give up your right to a trial, your right to the assistance of an attorney at all stages of the proceedings, including appeal. You give up your right to confront the witnesses and to cross-examine them, your right to present evidence on your own behalf, the right to have subpoenas issued to compel witnesses of your choosing to appear and testify, and your right to remain silent.

Your plea must be free and voluntary and not the result of any force, threats, or promises (except a plea agreement, if any).

If You Are Not a Citizen of the U.S.A.

Pleading guilty or no contest may affect your immigration status. Admitting guilt may result in deportation, even if the charge is later dismissed. The admission of guilt could result in your deportation or removal, could prevent you from being able to get legal status, or from becoming a U.S. citizen.

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