What happens if I plead “no contest” to a traffic ticket?

If you plead “no contest” to a traffic ticket in South Dakota, you are essentially admitting that you committed the act for which you are being charged, but are not entering a plea of guilt or innocence. Essentially, you waive your right to a trial, and the judge makes a decision based on the facts of the case as presented by the prosecution. The judge will then impose a sentence, which could include a fine, community service, or any other penalty that would have been applicable if you had been found guilty after a trial. A plea of “no contest” usually results in the same outcome as a guilty plea, though a judge may be more lenient in the sentencing. A plea of “no contest” also has the added benefit of not appearing on your driving record and cannot be used against you in civil court. This means there is no admission of guilt if you are sued for damages as a result of the incident. In summary, pleading “no contest” to a traffic ticket in South Dakota is essentially admitting guilt while avoiding the possibility of a guilty verdict being issued by a court. You will most likely receive the same sentence as you would have if you had been found guilty after a trial and you are not legally obligated to accept responsibility for the incident in any other court.

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What happens if I plead “no contest” to a traffic ticket?

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