When a citation has been filed with the court, which pleas may a defendant enter?

• A. Guilty
• B. All of the above
• C. Not Guilty
• D. Nolo Contendere

Answer: (B)

When a citation is filed, the defendant can enter one of several pleas at arraignment. A guilty plea admits the crime and leads to sentencing or a negotiated disposition. A not guilty plea denies the charges and moves the case toward a trial. A plea of no contest (nolo contendere) is also allowed in many jurisdictions; it avoids an explicit admission of guilt but results in a conviction for purposes of the case and can have implications in related civil matters. Because all three pleas can be available, all of the above applies.