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Photo Of Kyle B. Sawyer

Charged With A Crime? It Doesn’t Mean You’re Guilty.

No-Contest and Nolo Contendere Pleas in Denver Courts

On Behalf of | Jun 18, 2017 | Courts |

What is a No-Contest / Nolo Contendere Plea in Denver Courts?

In a criminal case, those charged with crimes are called the defendant.  At some point, the defendant must decide how he will respond to the charges against him.  This is called his “plea”.  He generally pleads guilty or not guilty.  In some courts, he will be permitted a third option, and that is to plead No Contest or Nolo Contendere.  It can also be referred to as an Alford plea.  The effect of this plea is important to many defendants. Read more about Plea Bargains.

A No-Contest or Nolo Contendere Plea in Douglas and Arapahoe County Courts – What Does it Mean?

No-contest or Nolo Contendere Plea means “I admit the charges, but don’t want to admit specific underlying facts as alleged by the district attorney.”  It basically means “I think you can prove me guilty at trial, so I will admit that.  I can’t win at trial, you have me.”  In some situations, defendants in Douglas County and Arapahoe County feel like the legal definition of a No Contest plea will help them in a future civil case.  However, they forget that restitution will be ordered in every criminal case, and restitution can be converted into a civil judgment.

No-contest or Nolo Contendere Pleas are Often Rejected in Jefferson County and Adams County Courts

Judges and courts have the power to reject pleas from defendants.  In many cases, they will not allow a No-contest or Nolo Contendere Plea in Jefferson County court.  They are seen as bad because the defendant is no accepting full responsibility for his actions.  Without full acceptance, treatment does not work as well.  Plus, victims don’t feel like a person should get a plea bargain if they don’t accept full responsibility for the harm caused to a victim.  District Attorneys in Adams County don’t like this type of plea either, for the same reasons.  Only when a district attorney feels like the facts of guilt are weak, will they allow a plea of Nolo Contendere.

Call our criminal defense lawyers 24/7 if you’ve been contacted by police.  We can help you decide how to plead – including not guilty.  You can reach us at 303-731-0719.  Together, we can protect your future.