Can I defend a Utah DUI charge by pleading no contest?
Some people mistakenly believe that pleading no contest (or “nolo contendere”) will somehow support their claim of innocence when facing a DUI charge in Utah. Pleading no contest to a DUI charge in Utah has almost exactly the same effect as pleading guilty, and can result in consequences and sentencing just as severe as if you had entered a guilty plea.
There are a few limited circumstances in which a no contest plea will carry some advantage in a Utah DUI case. But these circumstances are typically limited to situations in which there is a potential for civil litigation relating to injuries or damages caused as a result of an alleged DUI. Under these circumstances, a no contest plea typically cannot be used against you in the civil case, whereas a guilty plea could be considered as an admission of relevant facts pertaining to the civil case.
The best defense attorneys ask questions that police don’t.
Unless you are facing both a civil lawsuit and a criminal prosecution, a no contest plea may not provide any benefit. It still results in a conviction with the same consequences as a guilty plea or a conviction at trial.
If you believe that you are innocent or if you have questions about possible challenges to a DUI charge in Utah, you should consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney.
