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

If you plead “no contest” to a traffic ticket in Tennessee, it is essentially a plea of “guilty” to the charge. It is not an opportunity to dispute the charge in any way. This plea allows a driver to accept responsibility for the violation without admitting guilt. Generally, the court will sentence the motorist for the violation as if they had pled “guilty.” However, the court is unlikely to order a conviction on the driver’s record, and the motorist is not required to attend a court hearing. This means that they will avoid the negative consequences associated with a guilty plea, like having the violation count against them as a “previous offense” or having their license suspended. But, you can expect to pay a fine and/or potentially fulfill other court-ordered requirements, like attending classes or completing community service. In some cases, a court may dismiss the violation after a motorist pleads “no contest.” This only occurs if the court finds that the motorist has complied with all precedent orders, such as timely paying the fine or participating in any required classes. The court may also require the motorist to pay for court costs associated with the violation. Therefore, if you are considering pleading “no contest” to a traffic ticket, it is important to understand the potential consequences before making a decision. It is also important to discuss your situation with a lawyer, who can provide you with personalized legal advice and guidance.

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

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