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What does No Contest mean for an Improper Turn traffic ticket?
Question:
What does No Contest mean for an Improper Turn traffic ticket?
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There are three plea options for a traffic ticket – guilty, not guilty and no contest. A no contest plea is also referred to as nolo contendre. When you plea no contest it simply means that you do not agree with the ticket but you do not want to fight it either. You let the court decide the case based on the facts before the court.
When you plead no contest, it does not mean that you are guilty. But you also loose the right to fight the charge. Generally when you plead no contest, the court will move to the sentencing stage of the case and will give a verdict. Generally a no contest plea results in a guilty verdict.
A no contest plea is not a statement of innocence or a statement of guilt. It basically means that you do not want to fight the charges against you. A no contest plea cannot be used against you in a civil suit for damages.
If you are charged with an improper turn traffic ticket and you plead no contest, then generally you will be found guilty of the charge and asked to pay the fine. It will result in a conviction. A conviction for an improper turn traffic ticket can result in points on your driver’s license. It can also result in your insurance rates increasing. However if charges against you are subsequently dropped, then you will not have to pay any fine and it will not result in a conviction.
Don’t take chances. Do not offer a no contest plea unless you are certain the charge against you will be dropped. Consult with an experienced driving attorney. The attorney can advise you on whether or not to offer a non contest plea for an improper turn traffic ticket.
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