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 challenge the status quo through ethical advocacy both in and out of the courtroom.
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.
