Finding a dependable Indianapolis criminal defense attorney who you can trust is essential if you are facing Indiana criminal charges. But how do you know who to choose? How do you find someone who is both qualified and reliable? That’s the catch. Fortunately, there are ways you can get yourself a great crime lawyer without making any mistakes along the way.
Continue reading to learn some informative tips to help you narrow down your search and find the perfect criminal defense lawyer in Indianapolis for your legal matters.
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Tips for Hiring a Good Defense Lawyer in Indiana
If ever you find yourself facing criminal charges, it is of the utmost importance to locate an Indianapolis criminal attorney whom you can trust. Yet how do you determine which lawyer is ideal for your individual situation? Who should be the one representing your interests in court? With a myriad of lawyers available, who will have your back and ensure that justice prevails?
Here are a few tips to help you find the right criminal defense lawyer for you:
1. Do your research. Look for attorneys who specialize in criminal law and have experience defending clients in court. Ask friends, family, and colleagues for referrals, or do a quick online search to find reviews from past clients.
2. Schedule consultations with several different lawyers. This is your chance to ask questions and get a feel for their personality and approach to law. This is your opportunity to make inquiries and become familiar with their character and attitude towards the law.
3. Trust your gut feeling. When all else is equal, go with the attorney you feel most comfortable with. After all, you’ll be working closely with this person throughout your case.
At the end of the day, finding a dependable criminal attorney can be a long and stressful process – but it’s well worth the effort. Having an experienced legal professional on your side can make all the difference in court.
Are you in need of an adept criminal defense lawyer to battle your Indiana or Federal criminal allegations? Contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to schedule a meeting with our experienced Indianapolis criminal defense law firm. We can hold meetings over the phone or in person at our Indy-based office.
When you are arrested in Indiana, it is important to have a criminal defense attorney to represent you in court. A good attorney will be able to help get your charges reduced or dropped and may even be able to help you avoid jail time. Although finding the right criminal defense attorney can be difficult, it is worth the effort. Once you find a certified criminal lawyer, it is important to know how to work with them in order to obtain the best possible results in court.
Continue below to learn the top three questions to ask your Indiana criminal defense lawyer.
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Ask Your Criminal Defense Attorney These 3 Questions
1. What Should I Do If I’m Arrested for a Crime I Didn’t Commit?
If you are arrested for a crime that you did not commit, the first thing you should do is remain calm and silent. Do not answer any questions from the police until you have spoken with an attorney. You may also want to ask to see the warrant for your arrest, and ask what you are being accused of. If you are able to, try to get evidence of your innocence, such as witness statements or video footage. If you are unable to post bail, try to stay positive and hopeful that you will be exonerated.
It is important to hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. Your attorney can work on your behalf to protect your legal rights and build a strong case for your innocence. A lawyer will help you understand the charges against you, explain any defenses that may be available to you, and advise you of any plea options or sentence negotiations.
Your lawyer will also work to secure the best outcome for your case, whether that is a dismissal of all charges or a not guilty verdict. He or she may be able to negotiate an agreement with prosecutors in order to minimize any penalties or fines you might face. Your attorney will also be responsible for gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses on your behalf.
No matter the outcome of your case, always remember that you have rights and resources available to you. If you are wrongfully accused of a crime, it is important that you remain calm and seek legal counsel as soon as possible. With the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney, you can fight for justice and a fair result.
2. How Can You Help Me Fight the Charges Against Me?
There are various strategies that a crime lawyer may use to try to get criminal charges dismissed or reduced for their client. One strategy is to argue that the person was acting in self-defense. The lawyer may also try to show that the person did not actually commit the crime, or that there is not enough evidence to support the charges. If the case goes to trial, the lawyer may argue that the prosecution has not met its burden of proof.
Another strategy is to get certain evidence excluded from the case. This can include illegally obtained evidence, or evidence that was gathered without proper procedures being followed. The lawyer may also argue that statements made by the defendant were obtained through coercion or other improper means. The lawyer may try to negotiate a plea bargain with the prosecutor. This means that the defendant may plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lighter sentence. This can be beneficial in cases where the prosecutor has strong evidence and there is a risk of conviction at trial.
Finally, the lawyer may focus on mitigating circumstances to try to reduce their client’s punishment after they have been found guilty. They may try to demonstrate that the client is remorseful for their actions, or that they are starting to take steps toward rehabilitation. This can be an effective way of reducing a sentence from what it otherwise might have been. These are just some of the strategies that a lawyer may use when fighting criminal charges.
3. What are the Possible Consequences of Being Convicted of This Crime?
If you are convicted of a crime in Indiana, there are a number of possible consequences that could follow. You could be incarcerated, fined, or ordered to perform community service. Your criminal record could also follow you for the rest of your life, making it difficult to find a job or rent an apartment. In addition, you may be ineligible for certain government benefits, such as student loans or food stamps.
In some cases, you may also be ordered to pay restitution to the victim of a crime. This could involve making payments for medical costs, replacing stolen items, or providing other forms of financial assistance for their losses. In addition, you may lose your right to vote or own firearms if convicted of certain felonies.
It is important to understand the potential consequences of a criminal conviction in Indiana before making any decisions. For this reason, it is strongly encouraged to work with a qualified criminal defense attorney in Indianapolis who can help you better understand your rights and options. Ultimately, it is wise to remember that being convicted of a crime can have serious and life-altering consequences.
It is also important to remember that you may have legal options to minimize or avoid consequences. Depending on the charge, a plea bargain or other agreement could be possible. For example, if charged with a felony, you may be able to plead guilty to a misdemeanor and receive probation instead of incarceration. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you understand your rights and options in these cases.
Conclusion
No matter the situation, it is important to remember that being convicted of a crime in Indiana can have serious consequences. Taking the time to properly understand the potential consequences of a conviction can save you from long-term repercussions down the road.
It is important to work with an experienced attorney who can help you understand your rights and legal options after an arrest.Contact Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to speak with a seasoned criminal defense lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our law firm will get you the best possible outcome to your criminal case!
If you or someone you know has been arrested, it is important to understand the different lawyer options that are available in order to choose the best option for your case. Although the law gives you the right to a state-appointed attorney, known as a public defender, it is wiser to hire your own lawyer. With a private criminal attorney working your defense, you have the best chance at obtaining the best possible outcome in court. This means avoiding jail time and preserving your freedoms.
In this blog, we will dive further into the various reasons why private criminal defense is so important in criminal cases, plus provide some tips on how to find a trusted and affordable attorney near you.
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Private Criminal Defense is the Best Defense
A criminal defense lawyer can help you in many ways if you have been accused of a crime. They will review the evidence against you and look for any legal loopholes that could help your case. A good lawyer will also negotiate with prosecutors to get a lighter sentence or have the charges dropped altogether. If you are facing serious charges, a criminal defense lawyer can also help you take your case to trial.
The Benefits of Having a Private Criminal Attorney
When you have been accused of a crime, it is important to have an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer on your side. A good criminal defense lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Here are some of the advantages of hiring a criminal defense lawyer:
➀ An experienced criminal defense lawyer will know the ins and outs of the criminal justice system.
➁ A good criminal defense lawyer will be able to negotiate with prosecutors to get a more favorable plea deal for you.
➂ A skilled criminal defense lawyer will be able to challenge the evidence against you and make sure that your constitutional rights are upheld.
➃ A knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer will know how to navigate the complex rules and procedures of the criminal justice system.
➄ A competent criminal defense lawyer will be able to provide you with an aggressive defense, which can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
If you have been accused of a crime in Indiana, it is important to hire an experienced and knowledgeable criminal defense lawyer who can fight for your rights and ensure that you receive a fair trial.Contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to schedule a meeting with our experienced Indianapolis criminal defense law firm. We can hold meetings over the phone or in person at our Indy-based office.
Although a No Contest plea is a common alternative to a guilty or not guilty plea, it may or may not be the right choice for your criminal case. Continue below to learn what you need to know by reviewing these frequently asked questions about no contest pleas in Indiana.
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FAQS About No Contest Pleas
What is a No Contest Plea?
“No Contest”, or nolo contendere in legalese, literally translates to, “I do not wish to contend.” A No Contest plea is used as an alternative to pleading guilty or not guilty. Essentially, when a defendant chooses to plead no contest, they are neither admitting nor disputing the charges against them. Although a defendant does not admit guilt, the plea will elicit a criminal conviction in court. Accordingly, a No Contest plea is essentially the same as a guilty plea.
Many people confuse No Contest pleas to “Alford” pleas. Although nolo contendere pleas are similar to Alford pleas in that both do not admit guilt, they still accept the punishment under a guilty conviction. Under an Alford plea, a defendant is saying they are innocent, but will accept the guilty conviction and subsequent penalties. Under a nolo contendere plea, a defendant is not admitting guilt nor claiming to be innocent.
What are the Pros and Cons of Using a No Contest Plea?
There are many noted advantages of pleading no contest in a criminal case. As for benefits, nolo contendere pleas are wise in criminal cases that might also result in civil action. If a civil lawsuit were to arise, the defendant’s guilty conviction upon pleading no contest cannot be used as evidence against them. Additional benefits of a nolo contendere plea include:
▷ Lower Attorney Fees and Court Costs ▷ Shorter Trial Process ▷ Publicity/Reputation Protection ▷ Potential for Lighter Sentences ▷ Stopping Further Investigation
On the other hand, there are also some critical disadvantages of pleading no contest. First and foremost, a No Contest plea is essentially a guilty plea because it renders a guilty conviction and subsequent sentence. Basically, defendants are punished just as they would be had they entered a guilty plea. Additional disadvantages of No Contest pleas include having a conviction on your permanent.
How Do I Plead No Contest to My Criminal Charges?
Courts must grant approval before a defendant can enter a nolo contendere plea. So, your first step to determining your eligibility for pleading no contest would be to hire a criminal defense lawyer. They can arrange all the motions and paperwork asking the courts for permission to enter a No Contest plea. Some defendants will be denied.
Should I Plead No Contest to a Minor Charge?
Although they are a type of guilty plea, pleading no contest can be beneficial for you when facing minor criminal charges, especially if the prosecution is offering it in a plea deal. Most often, plea deals are used to negotiate, which is why they are also called plea bargains. Prosecution will offer a reduced charge or sentence in return for the defendant’s guilty plea, or in this case, a No Contest plea.
Do I Need a Lawyer if I Am Going to Plead No Contest?
It is important to discuss your plea options with your defense lawyer. Hopefully you choose to hire a private criminal attorney in Indianapolis, as public defenders are overloaded with cases and cannot put much time or focus on a defendant’s case like a private lawyer can. If you want the best possible outcome to your criminal case, you will need private, personal defense.
With your lawyer, you can decide which plea is the best fit for your criminal circumstance. Each case is different, and everyone’s criminal history is different, so your best options will differ from the defendant down the street. In fact, you cannot just choose a no contest plea; in most states, defendants require permission from the courts first.
Are you ready to fight your Indiana criminal charges and potential avoid having to enter a plea altogether?Contact Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation with a seasoned Indianapolis IN criminal defense lawyer you can trust. We also represent defendants charged in Indiana but who live in another state.
Breath testing has been the most common method of investigating and confirming a person’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Law enforcement and similar authorities typically use handheld electronic devices known as breathalyzers to test an individual’s breath and obtain a BAC reading. But are these breath testing devices actually reliable? Are they accurate? Do they really prove intoxication?
Continue reading to learn more about breath testing and breathalyzers, including what to do if you believe you have been wrongly arrested after failing a breathalyzer test in Indiana.
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Breathalyzer Testing
Breathalyzers are science-based electronic devices that are designed to read and compute blood alcohol levels based on breath. There are different types of breathalyzers. Some are designed with fuel cells that generate an electric current, while others use infrared light or chemical reactions.
The average person has no idea how these scientific electronic devices work, so many people tend to blindly trust whatever reveals. But like all manufactured commodities, especially electronic ones, design flaws and happen. In such a case, breathalyzers might incorrectly or inaccurately process the blood alcohol concentration in a person’s breath.
Breathalyzer Test Reliability
So, how reliable are these breathalyzers? Possibly not so much, at least not all the time. According to a post in the New York Times, thousands of people have been arrested based on flawed breath testing results over the years, and courts across the country have thrown out more than 50,000 tests.
As most fragile computer-based electronic devices go, breathalyzers require routine maintenance and care, including precise calibration. Not only must these devices be set up properly, but they must also be used correctly and by a certified operator. And the unfortunate truth is that the standards for proper breathalyzer usage and maintenance are not highly regulated.
Most law enforcement agencies are not monitored on how well they take care of or calibrate their BAC-measuring machines, how well they train their staff to use them, and how well they store their data. With all of these factors at play, there are many variables that can cause breathalyzers to compute inaccurately, and therefore, give unreliable BAC test results.
Get Yourself a Lawyer After Failing a Breath Test
Unfortunately, most law enforcement officials will take whatever reading the breathalyzer gives them and use it as just cause to arrest a person for public intoxication or drunk driving. For this reason, it is important to obtain professional and private criminal defense legal representation to fight your criminal charges. Good criminal defense attorneys have the resources, knowledge, and skills to reduce your charges or dismissed them entirely based on an unjust arrest.
Facing criminal charges is a confusing matter to experience. When aggravated factors are involved, it can be more challenging for a defendant to understand what’s at stake in terms of their rights and future freedoms. If you are concerned about defending aggravating factors in a criminal case, continue below to learn the right facts you need to know.
Have you ever heard the phrases, “the straw that broke the camel’s back” or “the icing on the cake” before? Aggravating factors are certain details about a criminal act that make the crime more serious and the penalties much harsher. For instance, if a person is caught selling drugs out of their home, they would face certain charges and penalties. However, if that person is caught selling drugs near or on school grounds, they would face even higher charges and penalties since being at or within 500 feet of a school is an aggravating factor to the crime.
Common Types of Aggravating Factors
There are many types of aggravating factors, and a person can face multiple ones in their criminal case. Aggravating factors can enhance a criminal charge by many levels. They can bump a Class A misdemeanor to Level 6 Felony, or even a Level 5 felony. They can also bump low level misdemeanors to higher level misdemeanors. For instance, if a person with no prior criminal record gets busted for a DUI, they would face lighter charges and penalties compared to a person with no prior criminal record who gets busted for a DUI but also causes a car accident that results in bodily harm to a passenger or a driver.
Examples of Aggravating Factors:
► Assault on a police officer or firefighter ►Crimes involving minors ►Crimes committed on or nearby schools or government buildings ►Use of a deadly weapon ►Causing bodily harm ►Egregious recklessness or disregard ►Battery causing death
Mitigating Factors Versus Aggravating Factors
Aggravating factors are opposite of mitigating factors, which are factors that can lessen the severity of a crime. For instance, if a person is caught in possession of a non-prescribed prescription narcotic, such as opioids or barbiturates, they would face a particular set of charges and penalties. However, if that person has no prior criminal record and is a good standing citizen within the community, such characteristics could be deemed as mitigating factors in their case, and therefore lessen their charge and penalties.
At some point in your driving career, you are bound to be pulled over by police. It doesn’t mean that you’re guilty of a crime, or even suspected of one; but nonetheless, cop-stops and traffic violations do happen every day, so it is wise to be prepared and know how to behave if you ever look up and see those flashing emergency lights in your rear view mirror.
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Being Pulled Over is Not Always a Bad Thing
It is important to keep in mind that law enforcement is out there to protect us, even if that means from ourselves. So, when you see yourself getting pulled over by police, do not panic. It is very likely that they are pulling you over for something minor, such as a broken taillight. They might be pulling you over to help you with something, like an unscrewed gas cap or dangling license plate.
Courtesy and Cooperation Will Help Your Situation
In all cases of being pulled over by police, the most important thing to remember is that good behavior goes a long way. Whether you are guilty of something or not, if you are 100% cooperative and courteous to the on-duty officer, it is very likely that you will be treated with high regard and that your best interests (including your personal time) will be made a priority by them. Cops are ultimately here to help us and protect us, and if you let them do their job, your police encounter will go by a lot faster and end with a more desirable outcome, even if you are arrested.
Cop Stop Tips
If you are ever pulled over by law enforcement, whether driver or passenger, these are the steps that you need to remember and practice to the best of your ability:
▶ Pull to the Right. Pull over to the right shoulder of the road as soon as you know police are stopping you. Do not pull over to the left side. If you cannot access the right side of the road right away, drive a few feet longer, until you have adequate space to pull over.
▶ Stay Still. Do not move from your seat after stopping. Don’t even unbuckle your seatbelt or grab your purse. Remain perfectly still with your hands on the wheel while you wait for the officer to approach your window. You can reach for your car documents when the officer asks for them.
▶ Be Very Nice. Be polite and answer the police officer’s questions with respect. Although it is up to you on how truthful you want to be with them, the most important thing is that you speak to them in a respectful tone and courteous manner. Do not raise your voice, give attitude, show anger or frustration, call them names, or accuse them of anything. Do not be confrontational in any way.
▶ Oblige the Officer. Along with being respectful and courteous, it is important to oblige the officer by making him or her more comfortable. If it’s nighttime, turn on your interior cabin lights on so that they can see you. You can also do things like turn your car engine off and turn the radio down so that you two can converse more clearly. These little actions can work in your favor.
▶ Keep Conversation Short. It is important that you don’t speak too much when conversing with the police officer, especially if you are concerned that you might be guilty of a crime or have a warrant out for your arrest. It is better to say only what you need, answering the police officer’s questions directly and concisely, but not in excess. Talking too much could cause you to give up too much information, which could potentially incriminate yourself. More importantly, do not admit to any wrongdoing.
Where you recently pulled over by police and wrongly arrested for a crime, or you suspect that your rights were violated?Contact the Law Office of David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 for superior and aggressive Indianapolis criminal defense you can count on. We can meet over the phone, via online video conference, or in person at our office.
Our judicial system, both on a state and federal level, offers relief to certain, qualifying defendants in the form of criminal diversion. Criminal diversion programs essentially redirect defendants away from the standard process of the criminal justice system, which typically involves conviction, sentencing, and possible jail time.
Continue reading to learn more about criminal diversion programs, including what they are, who may be eligible, and more.
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Criminal Diversion Programs for Juveniles and Adults
When a person is arrested and charged with a crime, they will eventually face court hearings that likely involve trial, conviction, sentencing, and any subsequent court ordered penalties, such as fines and jail time. But when a person, a defendant, rather, is offered a diversion program opportunity, they will go on a separate, unique route, one that is more lenient in terms of short-term and long-term consequences.
Juvenile Diversion Programs
Both juveniles and adults may be offered diversion program admittance, but the scope of the programs will vary depending on county and district. Juvenile diversion programs are very common since they protect kids from enduring long-term consequences as a result of breaking the law. Juvenile diversion allows children and adolescent offenders who are deemed susceptible to rehabilitation to avoid the juvenile justice system altogether.
Pretrial Diversion
An adult diversion program, called pretrial diversion, may be offered to offenders who are deemed by the prosecution as having a likelihood of rehabilitation. Such programs vary in specifics from case to case, but generally re-route a defendant on a different path, separate from the standard criminal court process. Pretrial diversion programs are also referred to as pretrial interventions or agreements for deferred prosecution.
Diversion Programs are Optional
If you are offered a diversion opportunity, you are not required by law to accept it. They are 100% optional. However, most people choose a diversion program over the standard sentencing process because it keeps them out of jail and gets them off of probation quicker.
Qualifications for Diversion Programs
A judge or prosecutor may decide to offer a diversion program opportunity if they feel that the offender deserves sanctioning alternatives to revocation of professional licensing or certification, or if they believe it will decrease the chances of re-offending.
The courts may also decide to grant diversion opportunities if they feel that the case is minor enough, and therefore, does not warrant the spending of excessive prosecutive and judicial resources. In many other cases, diversion programs are used to set an example or as a form of restitution.
Are you interested in reducing or dismissing your minor criminal charges in Indiana? Contact Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to schedule a free initial consultation with a seasoned Indianapolis IN criminal defense lawyer you can trust. We also represent defendants charged in Indiana but who live in another state.
It is a common scenario experienced by thousands of criminal defendants all across the state of Indiana. Upon accepting public defense from the court, a defendant will quickly change their mind and decide that private criminal defense is the safer, more reliable route to take with their case. And they are all correct.
Continue below to learn why public defense is not the best choice for legal representation when facing criminal charges, plus how to switch from a public defender to a private lawyer if you also decide that your future and freedoms are too precious to risk.
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The Harsh Reality of Public Defense
Public defenders are real, board-certified lawyers. They are employed under a federal system or publicly-funded public defender’s office and assigned to defendants who cannot afford or wish to pay for a private attorney. After being arrested or indicted on criminal charges, you may choose to accept the counsel of a public defender, free of charge, or hire a private Indianapolis criminal defense lawyer, out-of-pocket.
If you choose to accept the help of a public defender, you are taking a huge risk with your case. Under the counsel of a public defender, your case is very likely to be handed off to another person or group of people who are unfamiliar with the details of your case. This includes paralegals, assistants, investigators, and more.
Not only do they do most of the work for a public defender, but they do also not take a personal interest in their clients’ cases either. They simply cannot with the massive amounts of traffic they receive. This means every defendant that gets put on their desk is treated as just another name and number, rather than a real person with real concerns about their future.
The Easiest Way to Change Attorneys Mid-Case
If you feel like your public defender does not have the ability to fight your criminal charges and protect you against the maximum penalties, like jail and heavy fines, just let them go, but not before hiring a private criminal defense lawyer in their place. That’s all you have to do.
Just hire an experienced and skilled Indianapolis IN criminal lawyer, and they will take over for you, handling all tasks related to your legal needs. They will contact the public defender’s office or write a letter to the judge on your behalf, explaining why you wish to make the switch. This is not a responsibility you want to face on your own.
Are you unhappy with your pubic defender? Or have you changed your mind and want to switch to a more qualified law office?Contact Attorney David E. Lewis at 317-636-7514 to speak with a seasoned criminal defense lawyer in Indianapolis, Indiana. Our legal team can help you obtain the best possible outcome to your criminal matters!
When facing criminal charges, minor or major, you will be required to make some serious decisions. Perhaps the most important decision you make is whether to hire a private criminal defense lawyer or accept a public defender to represent your case. Following your decision on legal defense, you will be expected to make many more. But the most important one at this point in the criminal process will be your final plea. Guilty and Not Guilty are pretty straightforward, but a no contest plea is a different plea approach that may be the best option for your case.
Continue reading to learn more about no contest pleas, how they differ from similar guilty pleas, and when you might benefit from it.
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A No Contest Plea is a Type of Guilty Plea
If you choose a no contest plea, it means that you are maintaining your innocence, while neither admitting to nor disputing the criminal charges. Also referred to as, nolo contendere, the phrase literally translates to “I do not wish to contend;” contend meaning to argue, resist, oppose, or challenge.
No contest pleas are similar to Alford pleas in that both do not admit guilt, but still accept the punishment under a guilty conviction. Under an Alford plea, a defendant is saying they are innocent, but will accept the guilty conviction and subsequent penalties. Under a no contest plea, a defendant is not admitting guilt nor claiming to be innocent.
Basically, a nolo contendere plea is an accepted alternative to pleading guilty or not guilty, both of which can render a separate risk of penalty. So, when would one use the no contest plea? The answer is complicated.
You Need a Private Lawyer
It is important to discuss your plea options with your defense lawyer. Hopefully you choose to hire a private criminal attorney in Indianapolis, as public defenders are overloaded with cases and cannot put much time or focus on a defendant’s case like a private lawyer can. If you want the best possible outcome to your criminal case, you will need private, personal defense.
With your lawyer, you can decide which plea is the best fit for your criminal circumstance. Each case is different, and everyone’s criminal history is different, so your best options will differ from the defendant down the street. In fact, you cannot just choose a no contest plea; in most states, defendants require permission from the courts first.
Potential Advantages of Pleading No Contest
In most cases, no contest pleas are worked into a plea deal offered by the prosecution. It is rare for a defendant to opt for a no contest plea on their own accord. Not only are they complicated pleas frequently misunderstood, but most defendants want to plea not guilty. And a no contest plea is essentially a guilty plea.
Although they are a type of guilty plea, pleading no contest can be beneficial for you when facing criminal charges, especially if the prosecution is offering it in a plea deal. Most often, plea deals are used to bargain, which is why they are also called plea bargains. Prosecution will offer a reduced charge or sentence in return for the defendant’s guilty plea, or in this case, a no contest plea.
The upside to this is that you can avoid jail time, save money on attorney and court fees, and protect your future liberties. You see, a no contest plea is a guilty plea, but it is not you admitting the guilt, so you are better protected down the line if a third-party wants to sue you in civil court. A no contest plea cannot be used in civil court as evidence of guilt.
