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The Arraignment
Arraignment is the time scheduled for a defendant
to enter a plea to the charge(s). One of three pleas may be entered: guilty,
not guilty, or no contest.
- Guilty
plea means the defendant admits to having committed the act(s) in the complaint.
- Not
Guilty plea means the defendant denies guilt thereby making it necessary for
the City to prove its charge(s). A trial is held and the City is required
to prove beyond a reasonable doubt all the allegations in the complaint.
- No
Contest plea means the defendant does not contest the City’s charge.
Upon a plea of no contest, the Judge will order a fine, jail time or other
appropriate sentence. A plea of no contest is not an admission of fault and
cannot be used against you in a subsequent proceeding.
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