People hear the terms “no contest” and pleading “guilty” and they assume that they mean the same thing. However, these terms have different meanings and you should use them in different circumstances. Whether you might be facing time in prison or if you’re just curious, this article will talk about the differences between the two.
Pleading “Guilty”
When people plead “guilty” in a court, it means that they admit that they committed the crime and accept responsibility for their actions. People will sometimes plead guilty to receive a lighter sentence, such as being put under house arrest instead of going to jail. Either way, the judge still determines the sentence.
Of course, this depends on the judge and circumstances for the arrest. Make sure that you think things out and see if it would be better for you to plead “guilty” in your situation. However, remember that pleading “guilty” means that you admit to the crimes charged against you.
Pleading “No Contest”
Pleading “no contest” is different because a person doesn’t admit to the crime. When people plead “no contest” in a court case, they indicate that they are innocent, but the prosecution has evidence that makes them look guilty. This allows them to accept the punishment without ever stating that they did something wrong.
You may notice that you’re in a situation where you’ll most likely get a guilty verdict from the judge and go to prison for it. Depending on your situation, you might want to plead “no contest” so that you can accept the punishment without admitting to the crimes. This way, no one can ever claim that you admitted to them.
What’s the Difference?
While both of them will get you the same punishment for a crime, they are different statements from you. If you plead “guilty”, then you tell people that you admit to the crimes. However, if you plead “no contest”, then you let everyone know that you aren’t guilty, but you will accept the evidence and judge’s verdict.
Depending on your circumstances, it might be a better idea to plead “no contest” instead of “guilty”. It comes down to your situation and if you want to admit to your crimes. Make sure that you talk with a lawyer before you plead either of these sides so that you do the right thing for your situation.
Conclusion
Pleading “guilty” and “no contest” have different meanings, so you should use them in different circumstances. Make sure that you understand these differences so that you will know what to do if you face any potential jail time or even house arrest.
Roy J. Kahn, with years of legal experience in a wide variety of criminal law, heads a “boutique” firm, which means that your attorney is Roy J. Kahn, not a paralegal. If you have been charged or are about to be charged with a crime—or if you have been contacted to be a witness in a federal grand jury case, you need a qualified defense. You should consult with an attorney immediately and know that you have a right to make no statement until you have consulted with an attorney To contact Mr. Kahn, he can be reached at 305-358-7400.
Recent Comments