whats the difference between "no contest" and "guilty?"
As far as I understand it, you are basically saying you are going to accept the court's punishment because you aren't going to dispute the state's evidence, but you are -not- admitting your guilt either.
Then, you may get a chance to explain yourself a little, and the judge will punish you. There's probably not a huge difference b/t 'no contest' and 'guilty' but it might help you a little.
I dunno, It might matter in the future, doesn't it seem easier to explain to a judge/employer 10 years from now if it comes up a 'no-contest' plea to DUI rather than a 'guilty' plea?
Shit, I'm not a lawyer, so talk to your public defender, from what I understand if you dont want to go to trial, just plead no-contest rather than guilty...
edit: yeah what Gemini said.