top of page

The difference between "no contest" and "guilty"

  • Writer: Attorney Joseph Soler
    Attorney Joseph Soler
  • Feb 25, 2020
  • 2 min read

Everybody knows what a "not guilty" plea means--that you are innocent and did not do whatever the State is accusing you of. There are two alternative choices that are similar, but have different legal ramifications--"guilty" and "no contest".


Guilty


A guilty plea is exactly what it sounds like. It is a full admission of guilt of the crime you are charged with. It is telling the State, the Court, and the victim that you did what you are accused of and you are taking full responsibility for it. Beware, a guilty plea may subject you to civil liability where a victim has been damaged and is seeking to recuperate damages from you. A guilty plea is an admission to actions in a civil trial and all the victim would have to prove against you is damages.


No Contest


The most common "plea" in a criminal case is "no contest". A plea of no contest is basically stating "I am not going to contest the State's evidence against me." For this reason it is often referred to as a "best interest" plea. The effect of a no contest plea is no different than a plea of guilty--you are still sentenced the same regardless of the plea.


However, a no contest plea is often preferred because it lessens the exposure to civil liability, since it is not technically an admission to the crime. For the same reason, it is preferred by clients because it allows them to resolve their case, but not fully admit to the crime.


For more information contact us at (941) 444-5128 to discuss your case or visit our homepage to learn all about how our attorneys fight criminal defense cases.

Recent Posts

See All

Comments


Soler & Simon Criminal Attorney Logo

SOLER & SIMON

2151 Main Street STE 100

Sarasota FL 34237
 

Sarasota - Bradenton

St. Pete - Tampa

Florida Bar Logo
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn

The information on this website is for information only and is not to be used as legal advice. The viewing of the information is not intended to create, and does not constitute, an attorney client relationship.  © 2020 Soler & Simon.  All rights reserved.

bottom of page