Pleas

Guilty

By pleading guilty, you admit that you committed the act charged, that the act is prohibited by law, and that you have no defense for your actions.
 
A guilty plea will be considered a conviction and recorded as such on your criminal/or driving record. You may be subject to a State surcharge.

If you were involved in a traffic accident at the time of the alleged offense, a plea of guilty could be used later in a civil suit for damages as an admission that you were at fault or were the party responsible for the accident.
 

Nolo Contendere - No Contest

A plea of nolo contendere, also known as no contest, simply means that you do not wish to contest the State's charge against you.  A plea of Nolo Contendere cannot be used against you in the event of a subsequent civil suit for damages.  Nolo Contendere has the same legal effect as a guilty plea.

Not Guilty

A plea of not guilty means that you are informing the Court that you deny guilt.  If you plead not guilty your case will be scheduled for the next available pre-trial hearing. You will need to decide whether you want a bench trial (trial by Judge) or a trial by jury (6 members of your peers). You will also need to decide whether to retain an attorney to represent you at trial. Only you or a licensed attorney may defend a case in court. The Municipal Court does not appoint  Defendant Attorneys.

A plea of not guilty must be made in writing or in person and submitted to the Court.