Legal Question in Traffic Law in Georgia

What is Nolo? Can it be used in Traffic court? How many times can it be used?


Asked on 9/11/11, 6:36 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Glen Ashman Ashman Law Office also dba Glen Ashman Attorney

First of all, NEVER use a nolo plea, or any plea, without the specific advice of a lawyer. Using a nolo plea at the wrong time can be a massive mistake, and at the right time can be beneficial.

Nolo is a discretionary plea, meaning a judge can refuse to accept it. It allows a judge to sentence you with no trial and no admission of guilt. It can be used in traffic cases once every five years. It is not allowed at all in certain DUIs,

For some under 21 drivers, nolo does not carry benefits that it does for older drivers.

In certain cases, nolo may prevent points on a license. It can save a drivers license that would otherwise be taken in a handful of cases. It also may affect a civil suit arising out of an accident as nolo pleas cannot be used as evidence, while guilty please can.

Even where it helps, there may be other options, some better and some worse, so just going to court and saying nolo without an analysis of your case may be a mistake, even though it can be useful in some cases.

Since you deliberately left off all the facts of your case, the warning to get a lawyer needs to be especially strong. Get one.

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Answered on 9/11/11, 6:48 am


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