Pleas

What is a Plea?

In order for your case to be resolved, you will be asked to enter a plea. How you plea determines what options are available to you. Your plea does not affect your fine amount or the outcome of your case.

Guilty

A plea of guilty is a formal admission of guilt to the violation that is alleged.

No Contest (nolo contendere)

A plea of nolo contendere means that you do not contest the State's charge against you. Literally, nolo contendere is a Latin phrase meaning, “I do not wish to contest.” It is a more formal way of indicating a no contest plea, and the term is generally interchangeable with no contest.

What is the Difference between Guilty and No Contest?

Both pleas have a similar legal effect (i.e., you will be found guilty and  assessed a fine and costs); however, with a plea of no contest there is no admission of guilt to the alleged violation. The principal difference between a plea of guilty and a plea of nolo contendere is that the nolo plea may not be used against the defendant in a civil action arising from the same act, for example, a lawsuit seeking damages from a car crash.

Please Note: the Court Clerk, Judge or Prosecutor cannot tell you which plea to enter in your case.

Not Guilty

A plea of not guilty means you are notifying the Court that you deny guilt to the alleged violation.

If you enter a plea of not guilty the Judge cannot speak with you in reference to the case and you will be reset for a Pre-Trial to speak with the Prosecutor and review your video (if there is one available).

If no resolution is reached after your Pre-Trial, you will be set for your Trial.