Plea Definitions

Plea of Guilty

By a plea of guilty, you admit that the act is illegal, that you committed the act charged, and that you have no defense or excuse for your act. Before entering your plea of guilty, however, you should understand the following:

• A plea of guilty may be used against you later in a civil suit if there was a traffic accident.
• The state has the burden of proving that you violated the law.
• You have the right to hear the state's evidence and to require the state to prove you violated the law.

Plea of Nolo Contendere (No Contest)

A plea of no contest means that you do not contest the state's charge against you. You will almost certainly be found guilty, unless you are eligible and successfully complete a driving safety course and/or court ordered probation. In addition, a plea of nolo contendere cannot be used against you in a civil suit for damages.

Plea of Not Guilty

A plea of not guilty means that you are denying guilt or that you have a good defense in your case.
Plea Form (PDF)

No Legal Advice

The Portland Municipal Court does not provide legal advice.