How to Plead No Contest to a DUI Charge
Handling a DUI (Driving Under the Influence) charge is a scary and irresponsible place for anyone to be, but knowing how to plead the charge and address the court can make the experience easier.
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Instructions
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Understand what no-contest plea means. It means you neither agree nor disagree with the charges. When you plead no contest, your driving is not affected. A guilty plea garners automatic suspension of your driving privileges.
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Show up at court on the day your were assigned on the ticket or the release documents from your arrest. Make sure you are on time, well dressed and respectful to everyone. If you are unsure where to go at the courthouse, ask at the information desk after you get through security.
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Wait your turn. If you have a lawyer, he will be with you and coach you on the proceedings. The portion of the proceedings where you enter your plea will likely be short, depending on the number of cases your judge is hearing that day.
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Answer respectfully when the judges calls your name or case. You will walk to the front of the courtroom and to the defendant's table. The judge will verify you are the person in question and will read aloud your charges and the date they were incurred. The judge will then ask how you plead on each charge separately. Answer "no contest," and it will be noted in the record. A date will likely be set for sentencing, or it could occur immediately.
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Comments
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kidsleepinfo
Oct 20, 2008
I'd still like to know why someone would plead "no contest" vs. "guilty." I understand that if there were further legal problems there is no admission of guilt, but what if you know there aren't going to be further problems? Why choose "no contest?" Does it change anything about your criminal record that might later be accessed during job screenings? Why is it worth doing if you won't be in court again? -
kidsleepinfo
Oct 20, 2008
I'd still like to know why someone would plead "no contest" vs. "guilty." I understand that if there were further legal problems there is no admission of guilt, but what if you know there aren't going to be further problems? Why choose "no contest?" Does it change anything about your criminal record that might later be accessed during job screenings? Why is it worth doing if you won't be in court again?
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kidsleepinfo
Oct 20, 2008
I'd still like to know why someone would plead "no contest" vs. "guilty." I understand that if there were further legal problems there is no admission of guilt, but what if you know there aren't going to be further problems? Why choose "no contest?" Does it change anything about your criminal record that might later be accessed during job screenings? Why is it worth doing if you won't be in court again?
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kidsleepinfo
Oct 20, 2008
I'd still like to know why someone would plead "no contest" vs. "guilty." I understand that if there were further legal problems there is no admission of guilt, but what if you know there aren't going to be further problems? Why choose "no contest?" Does it change anything about your criminal record that might later be accessed during job screenings? Why is it worth doing if you won't be in court again?
