May 29, 2018

You can still do an Alford plea. You will want to run it by County Attorney to make sure he is in agreement with it. All an Alford plea does is acknowledge that based on the evidence you’d likely be convicted, and that you’re pleading guilty to take advantage of a good plea offer but no admitting guilt.

My understanding is that Iowa doesn’t do no contest or nolo contendre pleas.

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I have a client who is charged with public intoxication. He wants to plea but doesn’t want to admit his guilt. There is a clear factual basis, so the Alford plea isn’t an option. He asked about no contest pleas. I never done one or even heard one being done. I have a feeling that Polk County judges won’t accept them. I don’t think it has any real advantage for him, so I’m not sure how to advise him. Has anyone ever tried this?

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