Originally posted by SonocoNinerFan:
There is no way . . . no effing way that Aldon Smith would plead no contest unless the Judge gave some sort of wink & nod regarding jail time. I don't think the County wants this to go to trial either. They'd look like buffoons when it's put on the record that they invited Aldon to the Sheriff's gun range to shoot guns and take a helicopter ride while he was supposedly under investigation. When this case is closed out both sides will be relieved.
http://www.nolocontendere.org/differencebetweenguiltyandnocontest.html
"Pleading no contest or nolo contendere means you admit no guilt for the crime, but the court can determine the punishment. The judge will hold a conversation with the defendant to ensure s/he understands the plea and the possible punishment. This gives the defendant an opportunity to explain the circumstances and why s/he is pleading no contest instead of guilty or not guilty. Through this conversation, the judge gains a better perspective on the situation. The defendant has some possibility of getting a less harsh sentence than might be handed down after a jury trial."
Aldon - "Sir, I bought the firearms in Arizona, and I am very sorry that I did not know the law. I wish I had added the little button thingy to the end of it, like the wise citizens of California demand."
Judge - "Ha! You think ignorance is an excuse? There are many law abiding citizens in this state, who have that same exact firearm, but did they forget the button thingy? NO! They remembered to put it on, rendering their weapon perfectly safe and harmless. YOU, on the other hand, are a button thingyless scumbag, who has completely disregarded the safety of our community. Do you know how many children could have been killed if they found your weapon without the button thingy??? DOZENS. Dozens upon dozens of children could have met a terrible fate at the business end of your button thingyless weapon of mass destruction. You are going away for a long time, you button thingyless scumbag."
Aldon - "But, in Missouri..."
Judge - "This is NOT Missouri you button thingyless monster!!! This is California. You see, here we care about the well being of our children. We don't allow them to be subjected to the evils of button thingyless terror machines of war and destruction!. OH THE HORROR! Your button thingyless days have come to and end, and California's children will be safer because of it."
[ Edited by BrianGO on Jun 26, 2014 at 12:46 AM ]