# Nolo Contendere **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [February 3, 2005, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nolo-contendere/288192 "2005-02-03T16:56:30Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Thinktank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Thinktank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thinktank)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2005, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nolo-contendere/288192/1 "2005-02-03T16:56:30Z")
Hi, shortly after January of this year I was pulled-over for speeding. I was on my way To ATL airport when this happened (out-of-state). Many bad dreams later, I am finally facing the crumpled up wad of paper in my wallet and in an effort to find someway to keep the insurance out of the loop, I did some looking. Nothing too profound, but when I called the county the ticket was involved with I got from woman in a confiding tone some information about “Nolo Contendere”. After researching this topic online, I find it’s really nothing so “hidden” in the world of law, only everything I looking up seems to pertain to more serious crimes than my moving violation. My question is “What can pleading this to a court with my money sent to them do for me accept admit my guilt just the same as if I had plead guilty?” I would be happy to accept partial blame for this, but not 3 years of insurance surcharges… I can’t afford this and have even considered giving up my car… ---
**Author:** ![ShibbOleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/848f3c/32.png) [@ShibbOleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShibbOleth)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2005, 5:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nolo-contendere/288192/2 "2005-02-03T17:40:28Z")
IANAL - but I found myself, about a year ago, researching how to also avoid the insurance blow from a Georgia speeding ticket. The “no contest” plea, might, in that jurisdiction, allow them to take your money but withhold judgement, so that nothing goes on your license. I would suggest that you might do better to actually speak to someone from the traffic court to make sure this is true. Maybe something along the lines of, “I’ve _never_ had a ticket before, but since I’m from out of state, I can’t make the court date. Could I enter a ‘no contest’ plea and keep my insurance from being affected?” One site I read recommended the following, which it would be interesting to try: find out the judge’s favorite charity. Offer to pay the amount of the fine to this charity in lieu of paying an actual fine if he’ll withhold judgement. This way a charity, not the often crooked Georgia traffic system, gets the money, you get a tax deduction (bonus!) and maybe do some good, but don’t end up with the speeding conviction hanging over your insurance rates. Good luck! ---
**Author:** ![Spoke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a88e57/32.png) [@Spoke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spoke)\ **Post date:** [February 3, 2005, 10:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nolo-contendere/288192/3 "2005-02-03T22:12:37Z")
In Georgia (where you got the ticket, I’m guessing), moving violations can add “points” to your license. Accumulate enough “points” and your license gets suspended. However, you get one free pass every five years. You are allowed to plead _nolo contendere_ to a moving violation once every five years (providing the judge in your case allows it), and it won’t add points to your license. [Here’s the relevant statute.](http://www.legis.state.ga.us/legis/2003_04/gacode/40-5-57.html) I’m not sure how insurance companies fix their rates, but it may also be the case that they treat a plea of \*nolo contendere \* (which is not technically a conviction) differently from a guilty plea or a conviction. I also don’t know whether your home state of South Carolina uses a point system similar to Georgia’s. ---
**Author:** ![Thinktank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Thinktank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thinktank)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2005, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nolo-contendere/288192/4 "2005-02-04T02:21:42Z")
It’s says here in your statutes link **Spoke** that it still goes onto DMV records(even though it’s listed as 0 points). I guess this will no matter what I, end with the ones i fear the most huh? :rolleyes: … I just get the impression that my insurance is going to take one look at my driving record, make some calls and have themselves a Friday evening office party with the extra $500+ they’ll be getting from just one more of their policy holders. ☹ … insurance companies along with so many others never promised they’d play fair. … ---
**Author:** ![Thinktank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Thinktank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thinktank)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2005, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nolo-contendere/288192/5 "2005-02-04T02:35:27Z")
In case Anyone else was wondering, I’ve learned I have 4 options: 1a) Plead guilt in person and hope the fine will be reduced, because I came such a long way to watch my fate dawdle before me. 1b)Send in the fine money and let them do whatever they want… umm, “no” 2) Plead “Nolo Contendere”/no contest as to not admit my guilt but be cahrged as though I were in regards to paying the fine and possible record documentation. 3) Take an online driving school program for close to $40 bucks and receive a certificate which must show up at court in person or previous to your trial. And 4) Fight it!.. there’s a fellow online peddling a book called “case dismissed” that guarantees within a small margin, that you can use his material to find fault with their evidence… now before everyone starts writing back how much crap he is full of, consider the fact that I don’t care and I probably will be gainfully employed again dashing any chances I have of driving to Georgia to fight my ticket anyway. Besides, I _was_ speeding; i’ll just have a radar detector with me next time :D… heyyy, it doesn’t mean I’ll be speeding… I’m just tired of be a “victim” and directly the state’s new pockets to plunder for all those smooth roads that tempt us to test the engines in rental cars anyway :rollseyes: ---
**Author:** ![caphis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e19adc/32.png) [@caphis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/caphis)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2005, 2:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nolo-contendere/288192/6 "2005-02-04T02:36:39Z")
> [@Thinktank](#): > > … insurance companies along with so many others never promised they’d play fair. … To be entirely fair, let’s not forget that _you_ were the one speeding. ---
**Author:** ![Thinktank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Thinktank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thinktank)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2005, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nolo-contendere/288192/7 "2005-02-04T02:39:01Z")
Did I not just say that poindexter? How hypocritical, everyone makes mistakes on the roads. ---
**Author:** ![caphis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e19adc/32.png) [@caphis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/caphis)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2005, 2:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nolo-contendere/288192/8 "2005-02-04T02:47:21Z")
> [@Thinktank](#): > > Did I not just say that poindexter? How hypocritical, everyone makes mistakes on the roads. Lest we not forget that this is GQ, not the Pit. Regardless, your second “I’m the victim here” reply wasn’t there when I replied, and there’s nothing hypocritical about my statement-- if I get pulled, I don’t look for opportunities to weasel out of a ticket that I rightfully deserved. But, if that’s the route you’re going to take, my advice would be to appear in court and argue the ticket. At least by appearing, you have the minute chance that the officer won’t show up or that the judge will lessen your fine/throw it out completely in exchange for completing a driving class. ---
**Author:** ![InternetLegend](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/internetlegend/32/13154_2.png) [@InternetLegend](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/InternetLegend)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2005, 3:02am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nolo-contendere/288192/9 "2005-02-04T03:02:49Z")
Mr. Legend got a rather hefty Georgia speeding ticket a few years ago. He considered just not paying it, since we weren’t likely to be back for at least three or four years, but decided that would be unwise. We sent off a payment, and there was never any impact on our insurance rates in New Mexico (which, admittedly, is probably one of the more lax states when it comes to traffic enforcement). ---
**Author:** ![Thinktank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Thinktank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thinktank)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2005, 3:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nolo-contendere/288192/10 "2005-02-04T03:49:12Z")
Seems like I’ve got a “two-parter” in the works. Not too long ago England was still getting used the idea of cameras everywhere, the idea of being watched everywhere they went, kinda like that horrible House reality TV show that was on (at almost the same time )here. Those that the news reporters stopped all said the same thing, as if they all rehearsed at some point “if you’ve got nothing to hide, then you’ve got no problem” … there is a problem however, _every_one has something to hide… anyway it was their story and they were sticking to it… and so are you **caphis** … “don’t speed, and you won’t get a ticket” mmhm, we’re all angels on the road so no problem… :dubious: > [@InternetLegend](#): > > We sent off a payment, and there was never any impact on our insurance rates in New Mexico Well consider yourself a “legend” for more than one reason. I’m on of those straight-laced types that wants to be bad, but the minute they cross the line WHAM! the whole house hits 'em. Take this ticket for instance, I was staring at this same highway for hours, the posted speed was 70mph. Everyone knows 10 or less mph is “tolerable” for Highway patrol. Straight highway, sunshine and NObody around . I pressed the gas down to see what my first-time rental car could do… I wasn’t impressed, so I decided to let back off the gas and return to my “safe” speed … I didn’t get more than 2 miles less off my speedometer before I crested a subtle slope in the highway and was head on towards a waiting median-bound patrol “sniper”… no more than 2 minutes at the wrong speed … not so much a legend here… heh :rolleyes: …but who knows maybe I can make my own luck with this, with enough research 🆒 ---
**Author:** ![caphis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e19adc/32.png) [@caphis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/caphis)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2005, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nolo-contendere/288192/11 "2005-02-04T03:58:30Z")
> [@Thinktank](#): > > there is a problem however, _every_one has something to hide… anyway it was their story and they were sticking to it… and so are you **caphis** … “don’t speed, and you won’t get a ticket” mmhm, we’re all angels on the road so no problem… :dubious: Look, that’s not at all what I said. My point is, if you’re going to break the law, you should be prepared to accept the possible consequences. I never said I was perfect, but you won’t find me asking for ways out of something I’m guilty of. ---
**Author:** ![Thinktank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Thinktank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thinktank)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2005, 4:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nolo-contendere/288192/12 "2005-02-04T04:32:30Z")
> [@Caphis](#): > > you won’t find me asking for ways out of something I’m guilty of. This is your thinking, but this thread is relevant to only those that are looking for a way to lessen the severity of the charges brought against then. I never said I wouldn’t be penalized, but I’m guessing you believe if you were cited you deserve 3 years of punishment for your offense?.. and that lawyers are only for those that feel they need to “weasel” their way out of charges brought against them? So I’m happy you’re such a stand-up person… now if everyone else played the game the same way you, our shining example does then there would be no reason for me to ever post for help on information about Nolo Contendere and it’s specifics. ---
**Author:** ![caphis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e19adc/32.png) [@caphis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/caphis)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2005, 4:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nolo-contendere/288192/13 "2005-02-04T04:35:22Z")
> [@Thinktank](#): > > This is your thinking, but this thread is relevant to only **those that are looking for a way to lessen the severity of the charges brought against then**. I never said I wouldn’t be penalized, but I’m guessing you believe if you were cited you deserve 3 years of punishment for your offense?.. and that lawyers are only for those that feel they need to “weasel” their way out of charges brought against them? And I gave you the best answer I believe you’ll get. You’re welcome. ---
**Author:** ![Thinktank](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/6a8cbe/32.png) [@Thinktank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thinktank)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2005, 4:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nolo-contendere/288192/14 "2005-02-04T04:41:39Z")
I’ve had better :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![caphis](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e19adc/32.png) [@caphis](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/caphis)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2005, 4:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nolo-contendere/288192/15 "2005-02-04T04:48:33Z")
> [@Thinktank](#): > > I’ve had better :rolleyes: Look, you asked a question, I gave you both a lecture and a good answer. When I got a speeding ticket, I went to court, and as it was my first offense, the judge offered me the trade-off of dropping it if I completed driving school. A friend had the same happen to him. There’s no need for you to be snarky. ---
**Author:** ![ShibbOleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/848f3c/32.png) [@ShibbOleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShibbOleth)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2005, 12:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nolo-contendere/288192/16 "2005-02-04T12:35:06Z")
All other things considered, if you can take the online driving school option and avoid this showing on your insurance, then that’s definitely the best way to go. In Crisp County, the place where I got my whopping ticket, $278, they don’t have this option. They don’t even tell you what the fine is until you call them. I assumed it was so they could check how much money they needed for their budget that day. AFAIK it didn’t show on my record at all, and this was since a year ago. I can double check this, but it costs me $12 to check a driving record. (I have to for my business sometimes) ---
**Author:** ![Cliffy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/59ef9b/32.png) [@Cliffy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cliffy)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2005, 3:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nolo-contendere/288192/17 "2005-02-04T15:00:05Z")
> [@ShibbOleth](#): > > find out the judge’s favorite charity. Offer to pay the amount of the fine to this charity in lieu of paying an actual fine… That’s called bribery, and the pnishment for it is rather more severe than a speeding ticket. –Cliffy ---
**Author:** ![ShibbOleth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/848f3c/32.png) [@ShibbOleth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShibbOleth)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2005, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nolo-contendere/288192/18 "2005-02-04T15:09:27Z")
> [@Cliffy](#): > > That’s called bribery, and the pnishment for it is rather more severe than a speeding ticket. > > –Cliffy It’s not going to him, therefore it’s called politics. Seriously, could that technically be defined as bribery? ---
**Author:** ![OxyMoron](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/e9a140/32.png) [@OxyMoron](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/OxyMoron)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2005, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nolo-contendere/288192/19 "2005-02-04T15:44:06Z")
**Cliffy** probably has more experience than I on these issues, but arguably the payment to a judge’s favorite charity is providing an indirect benefit to the judge himself - especially if he sits on the charity’s board. But even if he doesn’t, the fact is that you’re coughing up money that you otherwise wouldn’t with the purpose of altering the judge’s decision, and that’s generally Not a Good Idea. In fact, I’m recalling that there have been some coporate scandals in which the substance of the charges was that directors were encouraging “donations” to their pet causes. Didn’t go over very well. ---
**Author:** ![Otto](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/bbe5ce/32.png) [@Otto](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Otto)\ **Post date:** [February 4, 2005, 4:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nolo-contendere/288192/20 "2005-02-04T16:23:20Z")
If anyone’s interested, here’s Georgia’s bribery statute: > [@](#): > > 16-10-2. > (a) A person commits the offense of bribery when: > (1) He or she gives or offers to give to any person acting for or on behalf of the state or any political subdivision thereof, or of any agency of either, any benefit, reward, or consideration to which he or she is not entitled with the purpose of influencing him or her in the performance of any act related to the functions of his or her office or employment; or > (2) A public official, elected or appointed, or an employee of this state or any agency, authority, or entity of the state, or any county or municipality or any agency, authority, or entity thereof, directly or indirectly solicits, receives, accepts, or agrees to receive a thing of value by inducing the reasonable belief that the giving of the thing will influence his or her performance or failure to perform any official action. A thing of value shall not include: > (A) Food or beverage consumed at a single meal or event; > (B) Legitimate salary, benefits, fees, commissions, or expenses associated with a recipient´s nonpublic business, employment, trade, or profession; > © An award, plaque, certificate, memento, or similar item given in recognition of the recipient´s civic, charitable, political, professional, or public service; > (D) Food, beverages, and registration at group events to which all members of an agency, as defined in paragraph (1) of subsection (a) of Code Section 21-5-30.2, are invited. An agency shall include the Georgia House of Representatives, the Georgia Senate, committees and subcommittees of such bodies, and the governing body of each political subdivision of this state; > (E) Actual and reasonable expenses for food, beverages, travel, lodging, and registration for a meeting which are provided to permit participation or speaking at the meeting; > (F) A commercially reasonable loan made in the ordinary course of business; > (G) Any gift with a value less than $100.00; > (H) Promotional items generally distributed to the general public or to public officers; > (I) A gift from a member of the public officer´s immediate family; or > (J) Food, beverage, or expenses afforded public officers, members of their immediate families, or others that are associated with normal and customary business or social functions or activities; > provided, however, that receiving, accepting, or agreeing to receive anything not enumerated in subparagraphs (A) through (J) of this paragraph shall not create the presumption that the offense of bribery has been committed. [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nolo-contendere/288192.md?page=2)