What happens if I plead no contest in a Utah criminal case?

Pleading no contest means exactly that – you are not contesting the charges against you. Procedurally, this has the same effect as a guilty plea, but you are technically not admitting guilt to the charges. But a plea of either guilty or no contest will both result in a conviction.…
attorney meeting with client at desk

Pleading no contest means exactly that – you are not contesting the charges against you. Procedurally, this has the same effect as a guilty plea, but you are technically not admitting guilt to the charges. But a plea of either guilty or no contest will both result in a conviction.

There are some circumstances where it can be advantageous to plead no contest, but they are an exception rather than a rule. Your attorney will help you to determine what course of action to take in your specific case.

 

When you plead not guilty in a case, the burden of proof falls on the prosecution to convict you of the charges. When you plead guilty, you accept responsibility and accept the court’s decision on punishment. In a no contest plea, you accept the punishment without actually admitting guilt.

Originally Published: November 20, 2023

How can we help you?

Call us at 801-448-7451, or use this contact form.

    Related Articles

    Navigating the Arraignment in Utah
    For most misdemeanor criminal charges, the arraignment hearing is the first time you will appear in court for the case. Whether you have already...
    December 19, 2024
    Davis County Justice Court
    The Davis County Justice Court handles class B and C misdemeanor charges. Felony and class A misdemeanor charges are filed in district court. In...
    December 19, 2024
    Reducing a Felony Conviction in Utah: 402 Reductions
    If you’ve been convicted of a felony in Utah, you may have the chance to reduce it to a misdemeanor through a process set out in Utah Code section...
    December 19, 2024

    Ready to explore our other articles?