I pleaded no contest to operating while intoxicated-guilty?
I was charged, and pleaded "no contest" to OWI. When I look at my record online, it says that the action was "dismissed". It also notes that "All charges against (my name) in this case have been dismissed. These charges were not proven and have no legal effect. (my name) is presumed innocent."
Was I convicted? Do I have to say that I've been convicted on job applications? i was never read my "rights". was I even arrested?
Thanks for your help.
Answers:
The pleading of Nolo Contendre or No Contest is the same effect as guilty without defense of the charges. It is difficult to encompass that the charges would be dismissed, however, the ticket you received serves as the same as released on your own recognisance with an appearance date for adjudication. A visit to your local police department or sheriff department and a request for the status will give you an update as to the disposition of the ticket, case or they will be able to tell you what stage of the system it is in even if it was dismissed. Whatever the situation, they will be able to tell you where it is and the status. Take notes and names and badge numbers to protect yourself with the information you are given. This might become valuable if you receive inaccurate information. Remember, it is your responsibility to ensure that it is taken care of and the system of any state is subject to being wrong. If you get bad information it does not relieve you of the responsibility if you cannot give certain information that is specific as general information is usually vague and hard to track. Be specific and write down who you talk to and the information given. Repeat it back to them verbatim and note times, dates and names accurately. Things have a tendancy to get lost, misplaced or whatever even by those in our judicial system and the accuracy of your note taking might keep you out of jail or from losing your license. In the mean time, do all of us a favor as we have loved ones that travel the same roads you do and if you are gonna drink don't drive. We don't want to have to pay for your fun and partying with our lives. Be smart and learn from this experience.
Call and find out for sure. Online information is often not up to date.
i think what you probably got was a 'continuance without a finding.'
this means that you pleaded no contest to the facts of the case, and were maybe on probation, but as long as you stayed clean, when your probation ended, all charges against you were dismissed.
this is not a guilty finding - officially all charges against you have been dismissed.
good for you, i really hope you see this for what it really is - a lease on a new life.
you are luckier than most - remember that.
Your situation doesn't make much sense. Unless the people in your state are totally incompetent the record should be there. I highly recommend you go get a hard copy of your record from the local authorities. When you plead no contest, all questions of proof, miranda and etc. become moot.
You weren't arrested, therefore they did not need to read you your rights. You were not convicted, so you do not need to put anything on a job application. "Dismissed" means that the other party (cop) didn't show up.
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