Should You Plead No Contest to a Domestic Violence Charge in Arizona?

Information for Prescott & Yavapai County Defendants

If you’re arrested for domestic violence in Arizona, your first formal court appearance is the arraignment. At this hearing the judge will:

• Read the official charges against you;
• Inform you of your rights;
• Ask how you wish to plead.

The three most common pleas are guilty, not guilty, and no contest (nolo contendere). Understanding the consequences of each is critical.

What Does a No-Contest Plea Mean?

No contest means “I do not wish to contest the charges.” You’re not admitting guilt—but you are accepting that the State has enough evidence to convict you. For practical purposes, the court treats a no-contest plea the same as a guilty plea: you skip trial and proceed directly to sentencing.

Why Plead No Contest?

The primary reason is civil liability. In a related civil lawsuit (for injuries, property damage, or emotional distress), a guilty plea can be used as an admission of wrongdoing. A no-contest plea is generally not admissible as proof of liability. You still receive a criminal conviction, but you may limit your exposure to civil damages.

Consequences of a No-Contest Plea in a DV Case

• A misdemeanor or felony domestic-violence conviction on your record;
• Jail or prison: from 30 days to 15+ years depending on prior history, injuries, and aggravating factors;
• Fines, probation, and mandatory counseling or anger-management classes;
• Loss of firearm rights under state and federal law;
• Potential impact on child-custody or visitation orders;
• Immigration consequences for non-citizens.

Is No Contest the Right Choice for You?

Pleading no contest is a strategic decision. Factors to consider include:

• Strength of the prosecution’s evidence;
• Availability of affirmative defenses (self-defense, lack of intent, false accusation);
• Collateral consequences (employment, licensing, immigration, custody);
• Possibility of negotiating a reduced charge or diversion program.

Never enter any plea without first consulting an experienced criminal-defense lawyer. Once you plead, reversing course is extremely difficult.

How Ted Law Can Help

At Ted Law, we examine every angle of your case—police reports, witness statements, body-cam footage, and constitutional issues—to craft the strongest defense possible. We’ll explain:

• The pros and cons of a no-contest plea versus a trial;
• Whether the prosecution’s case has weaknesses we can exploit;
• Options for plea bargaining or alternative sentencing.

Call (928) 776-1782 or contact us online for a free confidential consultation. Early intervention can dramatically change the outcome of a domestic-violence case.