Is No Contest Better than Pleading Guilty?
Are you wondering whether to plea no contest or plead guilty to a DWI in Texas? Contact our law firm immediately. Our Houston DWI lawyers are here to help you understand and protect your rights. Schedule a free consultation today!
Whether or not entering a plea of “no contest” for driving while intoxicated (DWI) in Texas depends on the circumstances of your case. The best way to determine your plea for a DWI case is to consult with a DWI defense attorney in Houston. When you present the circumstances of your arrest to our team, we provide guidance on how to pursue the best possible outcome.
In certain situations, a “no contest” plea might benefit you. However, it’s not always an effective strategy. With a DWI lawyer on your side, you gain a stronger defense strategy and someone to provide advice about your case.
No Contest Pleas and DWIs: They Help in Limited Situations
When you enter a plea of no contest, the primary benefit is that you avoid admitting fault in the situation. If there is reason to be concerned that you might face a civil case in addition to your criminal charges, this can be quite important.
For instance, perhaps you have a few beers on the patio of a Houston bar. On your way home, you make a turn too quickly and jump the curb, driving into someone’s fence. This can mount up to thousands of dollars in property damage. Next, the police show up and arrest you for a DWI.
In this situation, admitting fault in your DWI case makes it more difficult to win your civil case. This is true even when you believe most of the damage existed before you hit the fence. With cases like these, your Houston DWI lawyer might suggest that you plead no contest.
The Myths of No Contest and DWIs
There are other cases where pleading no contest won’t do much to help your case. Oftentimes, people associate myths with this sort of plea. In many of these cases, the court system looks at it as similar to a plea of guilty.
For example, even if you plead guilty to a first-time DWI, you might qualify for expungement later. Additionally, the arrest and conviction still count against you should you be arrested for drunk driving again.
In the worst-case scenario, deciding to enter a plea of no contest might prevent you from being able to gain a plea bargain that drastically reduces the penalties against you. When you work with a Houston DWI lawyer, they might negotiate an agreement that requires you to plead guilty in exchange for reduced charges and lighter penalties.
Often, this is the most favorable outcome when there is strong evidence against you.
Schedule a Free Consultation
Before you decide how to plead in your DWI case, meet with a Houston DWI lawyer at The Martinez Law Firm. Our DWI defense team has decades of experience working in Houston and Harris County. Let us help you understand your rights as well as the Texas drunk driving laws. When you work with us, we provide guidance on what plea to enter, always pursuing your best interests.
Let our team be your advocates and help you develop a defense strategy rooted in the facts and circumstances of your case. Call 713.242.1779 now to schedule your free consultation.