Law Office of Steven C. Hales, Inc.

NOT GUILTY means you do not give up any of your rights, including the right to a trial. If you are in doubt, plead not guilty.

NO CONTEST means you admit the facts in the complaint are true, but you deny guilt. The judge may find you guilty or not guilty. (A no contest plea cannot later be used against you in a civil lawsuit for money damages. If someone sues you over the incident, he or she will have to prove you were at fault and violated the law.)

Most no contest pleas result in a guilty finding unless the arresting officer has cited  you under the wrong statute or ordinance, or if the arresting officer’s written  statement of facts fails to sufficiently support the charge.  

GUILTY means you admit the crime(s) of which you are accused and waive (give up) your right to a trial at which the prosecution would have to prove you guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. You also give up your right to remain silent. The judge may sentence you immediately or at a later hearing. A guilty plea can later be used to prove you were at fault in a civil lawsuit. A guilty plea to a charge can also lay the basis for a harsher punishment if you are later convicted of another offense.

© 4/20/2009 Ohio State Bar Association