What is a nolo plea?
For all cases arising on or after July 1, 1997, a “nolo contendere” (no contest) plea is of little or no use. For DUI cases made on or after July 1, 1997, the primary benefit of a nolo plea would be to limit use of the plea in a civil suit (for example, if an accident had occurred). Furthermore, after July 1,1997, no one under the age 21 can use the “nolo” plea. Moreover, any person whose case was made before July 1, 1997 and whose blood alcohol level was 0.15 or more is ineligible to use a “nolo” plea. Most judges also will not accept a “nolo” plea for any case in which the driver refused to be tested for blood alcohol level. The judge does not have to accept a “nolo” plea. If a judge does accept it, you will still have stiff fines, perform community service and serve some jail time just as if you entered a guilty plea.
