A no contest, or nolo contendere, plea carries with it that same negative weight as a guilty plea in terms of sentencing and consequences for any later criminal activity on the part of the accused. But one way it differs from a guilty plea is that it doe not force allocution of the part of the accused – which means the accused does not have to make a formal statement of her guilt. This can protect her greatly in any subsequent civil trial.
We’re told Lindsay is committed to what she told Jay Leno this week – that she wants to accept responsibility and move on with her life. So Lindsay and her lawyer, Shawn Holley, will go back to Judge Stephanie Sautner as early as next week to enter the plea.
Lindsay has already been sentenced to 120 days in jail for the probation violation, along with 480 hours of community service. Sources tell us Lindsay and her lawyer are banking on Judge Sautner not adding additional time on the theft charge. In other words, when Lindsay serves her 120-day sentence, that would be the end of it. And sources familiar with the case say that would be a routine disposition.
L.A. County Sheriff’s spokesperson Steve Whitmore says his rough calculation is that Lindsay would serve three weeks, although there are variables to that.
We’re also told the L.A. County District Attorney is inclined to give the case to the L.A. City Attorney, since the D.A. typically prosecutes felonies and the case is now a misdemeanor. But now that Lindsay will plead no contest, it doesn’t make a lot of sense for the D.A. to kick the case to the City Attorney.
One fact that emerges through all this is that Lindsay definitely, 100%, no doubt, DID steal the necklace.
Image credit to WENN