When you’re facing criminal charges in Oklahoma, one option that might be presented to you is entering a “no contest” plea, known legally as a “nolo contendere” plea. It’s different from pleading guilty or not guilty. With the pressure and confusion surrounding criminal charges its best you get a helping hand with your case. Understanding what a no contest plea entails, its benefits and drawbacks, is important in making an informed decision about your case. Here’s a closer look at how it works.
What Is A No Contest Plea?
A no contest plea in Oklahoma is an important way to resolve a criminal case without admitting guilt. When you plead no contest, you neither dispute nor admit the charges against you. It’s like saying, “I do not wish to contest the state’s charges.” This plea results in a conviction, much like a guilty plea, but it’s not an admission of guilt. You will find the option of making a nolo contendere pleas is common in municipal court cases.
Benefits Of A No Contest Plea
- Avoiding Admission of Guilt: If the idea of admitting to a crime is distressing, a nolo plea offers a way to avoid this. It’s a more neutral stance and can sometimes be easier to handle from a personal or career standpoint.
- Negotiation Leverage: Sometimes, this kind plea is part of a plea bargain with the prosecution. In these situations, pleading no contest might come with reduced charges or a lighter sentence than if you went to trial.
Drawbacks Of A No Contest Plea
- Conviction Record: Pleading no contest still results in a conviction. It will appear on your criminal record. This can have long-term consequences for employment, housing, and other aspects of your life.
- Limited Appeal Options: By pleading no contest, you typically waive your right to appeal the conviction since you’re not contesting the charges against you. Its a plea that generally is only used for misdemeanor crimes.
- Sentencing Risks: While a no contest plea can be part of a plea bargain, there’s no guarantee the judge will follow the sentencing recommendation. You might still face a harsher sentence than expected.
Impact On Deferred Adjudication
In Oklahoma, deferred adjudication is a sentencing option where the court delays a verdict to allow you to complete certain conditions, like probation or community service. If you fulfill these conditions, your charges may be dismissed or reduced.
- Eligibility Considerations: Whether you’re eligible for deferred adjudication after a no contest plea depends on the specifics of your case and the discretion of the court.
- Completing Deferred Adjudication Terms: Failure to complete the terms of deferred adjudication could result in the court entering a conviction based on your no contest plea and imposing a sentence.
Can I Expunge a Nolo Contendere Plea
Because you plead to the crime it will show up in your background check. if you want to expunge the record you can still do it but the same rules apply that do to any other plea deal. It may seem like a nolo plea isn’t a conviction but depending on if you received a deferred or suspended sentence its the same. The good news is that regardless, a nolo plea or any other plea if you qualify for an expungement you can still seal the criminal record.
Consulting A Tulsa Criminal Lawyer
Determining whether a no contest plea is the right choice requires careful consideration and often, the guidance of a knowledgeable attorney. Remember, each case is unique, and what might be a wise choice in one situation could be less advantageous in another. Tulsa Criminal Lawyers assists clients in understanding and potentially entering a “no contest” plea in Oklahoma’s criminal court system. If you’re facing charges, contact The Tulsa Criminal Lawyers Law Firm at (918) 416-0358 or online for legal guidance.