22-3209. Pleas; effect. (1) A plea of guilty is admission of the truth of the charge and every material fact alleged therein.

(2) A plea of nolo contendere is a formal declaration that the defendant does not contest the charge. When a plea of nolo contendere is accepted by the court, a finding of guilty may be adjudged thereon. The plea cannot be used against the defendant as an admission in any other action based on the same act.

(3) A plea of not guilty denies and puts in issue every material fact alleged in the charge.

(4) If a defendant refuses to plead or if a defendant corporation fails to appear, the court shall enter a plea of not guilty on behalf of the defendant.

History: L. 1970, ch. 129, § 22-3209; July 1.