You’ve been charged with DUI.
Now what?
There are a lot of things to consider when you’re facing DUI charges, and one of the most important decisions you’ll need to make is whether to plead guilty or go to trial. But what about taking the third option and pleading no contest? Is that a good idea?
The answer to that question depends on a lot of factors, including the nature of your case and the laws in your state. In general, though, a no-contest plea can be a helpful way to avoid a trial and get your case resolved more quickly. It’s also a good option if you’re not confident you’ll win at trial.
However, there are some risks associated with no-contest pleas, so it’s important to speak with a qualified DUI lawyer in Indianapolis from the Rathbun Law Firm before making any decisions. In this article, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of no-contest pleas and help you decide if it’s the right option for you.
What Is A No-Contest Plea?
If you’re facing DUI charges, you might be wondering if a no-contest plea is a good idea. A no-contest plea is when the defendant pleads guilty without admitting to the crime.
There are a few reasons why someone might want to plead no contest:
#1) To Avoid A Trial:
If the evidence against the defendant is strong, they might want to avoid going to trial.
#2) To Avoid Admitting Guilt:
A no-contest plea means that the defendant isn’t admitting guilt, which can be important for people who want to maintain their innocence.
#3) To Avoid Media Attention:
Trials can be highly publicized, and pleading no contest can help avoid that attention.
Pros And Cons Of Pleading No Contest
There are a few things you should consider before making your decision. Pleading no contest has a few advantages:
- The first is that it allows you to avoid a trial. This means that you won’t have to go through the stress of a trial and you won’t have to testify.
- The second advantage is that pleading no contest can sometimes help you get a lighter sentence. This is because the judge will usually take into account that you’re taking responsibility for your actions by pleading with no contest.
- The third advantage is that pleading no contest will usually result in a shorter court case. This means that you won’t have to miss as much work or school, and you can get back to your life sooner.
There are also a few disadvantages to pleading no contest:
- The first is that pleading no contest is the same as pleading guilty. This means that the conviction will go on your record and you will have to complete whatever sentence the judge gives you.
- The second disadvantage is that if you plead no contest, you might not be able to use the defense of innocence if you’re ever charged with another crime. This is because by pleading no contest, you’re essentially admitting that you’re guilty of the crime.
- The third disadvantage is that if you plead no contest, the prosecutor might use your decision against you in sentencing. This is because they’ll argue that you deserve a harsher sentence because you didn’t admit your guilt from the beginning.
How A No-Contest Plea Can Affect Your Case?
If you’re facing DUI charges, you might be wondering if a no-contest plea is a good idea. After all, pleading no contest means that you’re not admitting guilt, right?
Wrong.
In the eyes of the law, a no-contest plea is the same as a guilty plea. You will still be convicted of the crime and will have to face the consequences.
So why would anyone plead no contest? Well, there are a few reasons.
For one, it can save you time and money. Going to trial can be a long and expensive process, and if you’re facing certain penalties (like jail time), pleading no contest might be your best bet.
It can also be helpful if you’re trying to avoid a public trial. If you have a high-profile job or are concerned about media attention, pleading no contest might be the way to go.
Just remember that a no-contest plea is not a get-out-of-jail-free card. You will still be convicted of the crime and will have to face the consequences.
What To Do If You Are Charged With DUI?
If you are facing misdemeanor DUI charges, you may want to consider pleading no contest. Pleading no contest has the same legal effect as a guilty plea, but it cannot be used against you in a civil suit.
There are a few things to keep in mind if you are considering pleading no contest to DUI charges:
- Pleading no contest does not mean that the charges will be dismissed; you will still be convicted of the crime.
- You will be subject to the same penalties as if you had been convicted after a trial, including fines, jail time, and a driver’s license suspension.
- If you have a commercial driver’s license, pleading no contest to DUI charges will result in the loss of your CDL.
Pleading no contest to DUI charges is a serious decision, and you should discuss your options with an attorney before deciding what to do.
A Qualified DUI Lawyer In Indianapolis Can Help You!
The first way a DUI lawyer in Indianapolis can help is by evaluating your case and identifying any possible defenses you may have. For example, if the arresting officer didn’t have probable cause to pull you over, or if the field sobriety or breathalyzer tests were administered improperly, those may be grounds to get the charges against you dismissed.
A competent Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer from the Rathbun Law Firm can negotiate with the prosecutor on your behalf to try to get the charges reduced. In some cases, that may mean getting a DUI charge reduced to a lesser offense, such as reckless driving. Or it may mean getting the prosecutor to agree to let you enter a diversion program instead of going to trial.
If your case does go to trial, our Indianapolis criminal defense lawyers will be by your side throughout the entire process, from jury selection to making opening and closing statements and cross-examining witnesses. Having experienced trial attorneys from the Rathbun Law Firm by your side can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
Reach out to us now for a consultation!