A defendant may, however, also enter a plea of nolo contendere or “no contest.” Such pleas are permitted under Florida law, provided the trial judge agrees to accept it.

Both misdemeanor and felony convictions remain on your record indefinitely. A no-contest plea will result in a permanent criminal record for both types of offenses unless you successfully petition for expungement or an order of nondisclosure (sealing).

A no contest plea means just what it says: The defendant has decided not to contest the state's charges against them. While this is not the same as pleading “guilty,” it essentially has the same effect. The trial court will enter a judgment against the defendant and impose a sentence.

Adjudication withheld will stay on the criminal record forever unless you have it sealed. However, Florida record-sealing is only allowed for some offenses. You cannot seal records involving manslaughter, kidnapping, domestic violence, sexual offenses, aggravated assault, and burglary, among other offenses.

This can be advantageous if a trial's outcome is uncertain or if a defendant doesn't want facts in the case to be aired out in public in a criminal proceeding. This can also be done by pleading guilty. However, a no contest plea cannot be used as evidence against a defendant in a civil lawsuit for the same act.

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.

contest plea will result in a permanent criminal record for both types of offenses unless you successfully petition for expungement or an order of nondisclosure (sealing).

A guilty plea is an affirmative admission of guilt. A no contest plea is not. Therefore if there are possible civil liability ramifications, such as responsibility for an auto accident, its better to plea no contest, if possible.

By maintaining a not guilty plea, you retain the leverage needed to negotiate a more favorable plea agreement. This could result in lesser charges, reduced sentences, or alternative sentencing options that might not be available if you initially plead guilty.

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When you plead no contest, you accept the charges, similarly through a guilty plea. When a defendant pleads no contest, they lose the opportunity to be found not guilty at trial.A person who enters a no contest plea will be sentenced for the crime just as if they had admitted guilt. On the other hand, a no contest plea is a bit more complicated. The person who enters this plea is not admitting that they are guilty. If you want to plead not-guilty at pre-trial, a trial will be set in about 6 weeks where you can present any evidence you wish. By pleading No Contest, you admit the facts, but not that you are Guilty. My criminal defense lawyer tells me that I should accept the State's plea deal to avoid jail time. Children under the age of 18 who have been arrested or charged with a crime are first sent to juvenile court. When a Plea Can Be Withdrawn.

No Contest Vs Guilty In Miami-Dade

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