Can I plead no contest?

In Missouri, a no contest plea is usually called an Alford plea (named after a famous supreme court case). If you enter an Alford plea, you are stating that you believe the evidence against you would be overwhelming, but you are not admitting guilt. An Alford plea is treated much the same as a guilty plea. If you have a civil suit pending against you, you can use an Alford plea to take the benefit of a plea bargain in criminal court without admitted to wrongdoing that could be used against you in civil court.

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