In the legal system, a plea is an accusation or allegation an individual makes when facing criminal charges. It is a formal assertion during a criminal trial in which a defendant admits or denies responsibility for an alleged criminal act. A plea may be entered as part of a plea bargain or plea agreement. While pleading guilty is the most common way of resolving a criminal case, there are other types of pleas that can be used as well.
What Are the Different Types of Plea?
The type of plea that an individual chooses will depend on the charge and the jurisdiction in which they are being tried. Generally speaking, the different types of pleas available are not guilty, guilty, no contest (or nolo contendere), and Alford plea.
Not Guilty Plea
A not guilty plea is a statement that the defendant pledges their innocence and the charges are false. This plea allows the case to proceed to the next stage of the legal process which may involve a trial, depending on the jurisdiction.
Guilty Plea
A guilty plea is a statement of admission. It means that the individual admits that the charges against them are true and that they take full responsibility for their actions. The individual then awaits sentencing.
No-Contest Plea
A no-contest or nolo contendere plea is a plea in which the individual does not admit guilt or disagreement with the charges. This plea, which is often used in plea bargains, results in the individual being found guilty but does not offer evidence or open themselves up to lawsuits since no admission was made.
Alford Plea
The Alford plea, which is named after the landmark 1970 U.S. Supreme Court case of North Carolina v. Alford, is a plea in which an individual pleads guilty while still maintaining their innocence. It is usually used in situations in which the defendant does not wish to go to trial and faces a potential harsher sentence if convicted. The individual essentially admits that there is enough evidence for a conviction and pleads guilty in exchange for a more lenient sentence.
Conclusion
A plea is an important part of the criminal justice system and it is important to understand the different types and how they can be used. Knowing the differences will allow individuals to make more informed decisions and navigate the justice system in a smarter and more efficient manner.