Legal Definitions - Alford plea

An Alford plea is a type of plea deal in criminal court where the defendant admits guilt to the charges against them while maintaining their innocence. This plea is named after the case North Carolina v. Alford.

Unlike a nolo contendere plea, where the defendant does not admit guilt or innocence, an Alford plea involves a formal admission of guilt. The defendant agrees to accept the punishment for the charges without going through a full criminal trial.

However, the admission of guilt in an Alford plea can be used against the defendant in future legal proceedings. It is up to the prosecutor and judge to decide if they will offer an Alford plea as a plea bargain.

John is accused of robbery. He maintains his innocence but decides to take an Alford plea deal offered by the prosecutor. He admits guilt to the charges and accepts the punishment without going through a full trial.

In this example, John takes an Alford plea deal to avoid a full criminal trial while still maintaining his innocence.