12-4406. Pleas; failure to appear. (a) A plea of guilty is an admission of the charge and every material fact alleged therein.

(b) A plea of no contest is a formal declaration that the accused person does not contest the charge. When such a plea is entered, a finding of guilty may be adjudged thereon. The plea cannot be used against the accused person as an admission in any other action based on the same act.

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

(d) If the accused person refuses to plead, the court shall enter a plea of not guilty.

(e) If the accused person fails to appear, the court shall declare the appearance bond to be forfeited and may issue a warrant for the arrest of the accused person.

History: L. 1973, ch. 61, § 12-4406; April 1, 1974.