What happens in court if you plead not guilty?
If the accused is found guilty, the Magistrate will then determine the appropriate penalty. If the accused is found not guilty, the charge will be dismissed and the accused will be free to go.
What are some reasons for pleading not guilty?
They don’t have to plead guilty — even when they are. Instead, it is up to the prosecutor to prove, beyond a reasonable doubt, that the defendant committed the crime. When the prosecutor has little evidence, it makes sense to plead not guilty. The defendant may have a very high chance of being acquitted at trial.
Are you convicted If you plead not guilty?
Pleading not guilty means that you say you didn’t do the crime, or that you had a reasonable excuse for doing so. The court will then have a trial to decide whether you did. If the court decides that you did, this means you will be convicted, and the court will decide what sentence to give you.
Can I plead guilty with an explanation?
You can plead guilty with an explanation or plead nolo contendere, which are useful only in certain situations. Or you can plead not guilty. You should contact the court in advance of the deadline for making your decision to find out how to enter your plea. This involves entering your plea in court before a judge.
What happens when you plead not guilty to a traffic ticket?
Pleading not guilty and successfully beating your traffic ticket is the best possible outcome in any traffic court. When you plead not guilty and win your case, the judge will dismiss the ticket. Once the judge dismisses the ticket, all the fines, fees, surcharges, and other penalties will go away.
How can I find out what my plea options are for a traffic ticket?
The only real way to find out which kind of traffic ticket plea option is the best for you is to contact a traffic ticket lawyer. The WinIt app can help with that. In order to have the best chance of winning your case, you need to know what your options are. That means understanding the difference between guilty, not guilty, and no contest pleas.
Can a person plead not guilty in a court of law?
If the state doesn’t have enough evidence to do this, you cannot be found guilty in a court of law. Take note of your deadline. Typically, your ticket will include a deadline by which you must enter your plea if you intend to plead not guilty.
How does traffic court pleas and arraignments work?
Depending on the state, choosing traffic school might or might not require the driver to admit the violation. Plead not guilty. Pleading not guilty at the arraignment is the equivalent or requesting a trial. When you plead not guilty, the judge will normally set a date in the future for the trial. Every driver’s situation is different.