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No Contest Vs Guilty In Texas
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Multi-State
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US-0018LTR
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FAQ
If you believe the evidence against you is weak and wish to challenge the ticket, pleading not guilty may be the appropriate course of action. However, if you acknowledge that you were speeding but want to avoid the potential consequences of a trial, opting for a no contest plea might be more suitable.
Pleading guilty means you admit that you committed the crime. Pleading no contest (“nolo contendere”) means accepting the conviction but avoiding a factual admission of guilt.
However, realistically, a no-contest plea has the same effect as a guilty plea, but there is an exception. A no-contest plea to a misdemeanor crime can't be used against you as evidence in some civil cases, but a guilty plea could.
How Long Does a No-Contest Plea Stay on Your Record in Texas? 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).
``No contest'' means you are not admitting guilt, but are accepting there is sufficient evidence to convict you. ``Guilty'' means you are admitting guilt. Either way, the court will sentence you for the crime.
If you plead "nolo contendere" (no contest) you stated that while you do not wish to plead guilty you agree that the prosecutor has sufficient evidence that the court would find you guilty. This is considered the same as pleading guilty as far as the conviction is concerned.
If you might face a civil case related to your alleged crime, a no-contest plea can help you avoid giving the plaintiff a powerful piece of evidence. On the other hand, a guilty plea might get you a better deal from the prosecution, but it's essential to weigh the potential for a civil lawsuit.
No contest is the same as a guilty plea, period. It just can't be used against you in civil case.
An appeal to a higher court may be possible if you disagree with the result at the trial level or feel you were treated unfairly. You may also appeal, in limited circumstances, a plea of guilty to the charged offense. I have many years experience in the state court system and do top-notch work.
Common Defenses Against Speeding Tickets Inaccurate Estimation of Speed by the Officer. Questioning the Officer's Vantage Point and Conditions During the Incident. Radar and Lidar Inaccuracies. Calibration and Maintenance Records of the Device. Operator Error or Improper Use of the Device. Driving to Avoid Harm or Danger.
