Is pleading No Contest to a misdemeanor considered a conviction?
A. Yes. A plea of no contest means you do not contest the charges against you. It has the same practical effect as a guilty plea. It results in a conviction and will stay on your record unless expunged. There is no significant difference between a no contest plea and a guilty plea. Even though you may not be admitting guilt, a no contest plea allows the Court to enter a conviction and impose a sentence upon you. By pleading no contest, you give up your constitutional rights to a trial, to have your guilt or innocence decided by a jury, to confront your accusers and cross-examine them in court and to raise any defense you may have to the charge against you. Unless you have an agreement with the prosecutor for a deferred adjudication or sentence, the court will sentence you on a no contest plea as if you pleaded guilty, and you will have a record of conviction.
