Is it better to plead guilty or no contest?

Is it better to plead guilty or no contest?

A nolo contendere plea has the same basic effect as a guilty plea: The defendant is convicted and accepts punishment. But, by pleading “no contest,” the accused doesn't actually admit guilt. … Traditionally, it would be much better for Dawson to plead nolo contendere than guilty to the criminal charge.

Is no contest the same as guilty?

A no-contest plea, known often by its Latin name "nolo contendere," has the same primary legal effects as a guilty plea. If you plead no contest to a criminal charge, you will have a conviction on your record, just as though you had pleaded guilty or been convicted after a trial.

Why you should plead no contest?

The defendant is not admitting guilt. However, the no contest plea tells the court that the defendant does not want to go to trial for the charge and allows the court to determine a punishment for the charge. The punishment will result in a criminal conviction on the defendant's record.

Can a no contest plea be expunged?

For a person who pleaded guilty or no contest to a misdemeanor domestic violence crime, the following events will restore eligibility to legally possess a firearm and ammunition: The no contest plea is expunged from the offender's record. A court sets aside the conviction. The offender is pardoned for the offense.