While pleading no contest may seem better than pleading guilty, the legal penalties are essentially the same
If you are not familiar with the criminal justice system, the terms are often confusing — arraignment, voir dire, motion in limine and more. Yet each of these terms has a specific meaning, and can be vitally important to your case. Nowhere is this more true in the case of a “no contest” plea, which is sometimes called “nolo contendere.” As a Riverside DUI lawyer can tell you, if you do not know what it means to plead “no contest” to your DUI charge, it could have serious repercussions on your life.
First, some basics about California DUIs: the state takes the crime of driving under the influence very, very seriously, as it should. Drinking and driving (or driving while under the influence of drugs) can lead to deadly accidents or grave injuries. If you are caught driving under the influence, you will face a slew of consequences — even if it is your first offense. This can include possible jail time, DUI probation, fines, mandatory DUI school, the installation of an ignition interlock device, community service, and court fees. You will also face a driver’s license suspension, first by the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), unless you request a hearing within 10 days, and then by the court if you are found guilty or plead guilty or no contest. Finally, there are a number of consequences that you may face beyond the criminal and administrative sanctions. These include having a criminal record, which can make it difficult to get a job or an apartment, losing your existing job in certain circumstances, and increased insurance premiums. In short, being convicted of a California DUI brings a whole host of complications to your life — which is why you want to hire an experienced Riverside DUI lawyer to defend you.
This brings us back to pleading no contest to a DUI charge. Pleading no contest means that you are not contesting the criminal charges against you. While you are not pleading guilty, pleading no contest means that you do admit the truth of the facts that are alleged in the indictment, information or charging documents. There are some important legal differences between pleading guilty and pleading no contest, particularly when it comes to later civil or criminal proceedings and the ability to appeal your case. However, when it comes to the consequences of a DUI — jail time, probation, fines, community service and more — pleading no contest is effectively the same as pleading guilty. You will still have a criminal record, and will still lose your license. You will still be subject to all of the same penalties as if you had plead guilty — just with a few advantages when it comes to other legal aspects (which your Riverside DUI lawyer can explain to you in more detail if you are considering pleading no contest).
The intricacies of the legal process make it all the more important that you have a skilled Riverside DUI lawyer to represent you. At the Chambers Law Firm, we understand the system and can work with you to work out the best possible deal for your case. Depending on the facts of your case, this may involve a reduction in the charge, an outright dismissal of the charge, or a guilty plea with more favorable penalties. Contact us today at 714-760-4088 or dchambers@clfca.com to learn more or to schedule a free initial consultation.
