Guilty, Not Guilty, Nolo Contendere – What Do They Mean in a Miami Criminal Case? Learn All About 3 Different Plea Options for Criminal Defendants in Miami

One of the things that most Miami criminal defendants likely have some familiarity with in the context of the State’s case against them is that they will have to enter a plea at some point in their case. Indeed, almost all of us at some point in our lives have heard a criminal defendant (either fictional or non-fictional) make a plea of “guilty” or “not guilty” in a criminal court case. But what exactly is a plea in a criminal case, and what are the ways in which a criminal defendant can plead when it comes time to do so? To help Miami criminal defendants better understand this important part of the Miami criminal process, we answer those questions here.

Plea Options in Miami Criminal Cases – The Plea of “Guilty”

At the outset, in Miami, under Florida criminal laws, defendants have several plea options in the cases against them. A plea is, simply put, the criminal defendant’s response to the charges against them. The first plea option is the option to plead “guilty.” A guilty plea essentially is an admission of guilt to all of the criminal charges against the criminal defendant in their case. If a criminal defendant in Miami pleads guilty, they will not go to trial, and forgoes their right to do so. A guilty plea must be made voluntarily by the defendant.

The Plea of “Not Guilty” in Miami Criminal Cases

On the other hand, when a Miami criminal defendant pleads “not guilty” in the State’s case against them, they deny every allegation that the state has asserted against them in the charges they are facing. If a criminal defendant in Miami pleads not guilty, they will proceed to trial on the charges. The State then has the burden to prove the criminal case beyond a reasonable doubt.

The Plea of “Nolo Contendere” in Miami Criminal Cases

When a criminal defendant pleads nolo contendere, or “no contest,” in a Miami criminal case, they are basically telling the court that they do not admit or deny guilt, but will accept the punishment anyway. When a criminal defendant pleads nolo contendere in a Miami criminal case, they will proceed to sentencing without a trial, as they have given up their right to a criminal trial.

Getting Legal Help with Your Miami Criminal Case – Miami Criminal Attorney

If you are in the Miami area and you need legal help with your Miami criminal case and defending yourself against the pending charges against you, do not hesitate to speak with an experienced Miami criminal attorney about your case. An experienced Miami criminal attorney can advise you as to your options, and can help you make the best decisions possible to protect your rights and get justice in your case. The experienced Miami criminal attorneys at AsiliA Law Firm are here to help Miami criminal defendants get justice in the cases against them. Contact AsiliA Law Firm today and speak to a lawyer about your case now.

Source:

casetext.com/rule/florida-court-rules/florida-rules-of-criminal-procedure/arraignment-and-pleas/rule-3170-pleas#:~:text=Rule%203.170%20%2D%20PLEAS%20(a),be%20entered%20by%20the%20defendant.