Amy Marie Blose, 38, of Norman, Oklahoma, has entered a plea of no contest in Cleveland County District Court after she was charged with multiple felonies after an alleged sexual relationship with a 13-year-old boy. She is being held without bail pending sentencing June 15.
Originally released on $20,000 bail, Blose had her bail revoked after she attempted to contact the victim in violation of a court order. Blose is accused of having a sexual relationship with the teen, who was a friend of her daughter. She faces up to life in prison for fifteen counts of first-degree rape, five counts of lewd acts with a minor, three counts of forcible oral sodomy, and one count of lewd or indecent proposals to a minor.
Though her no contest plea places her at the mercy of the court, she will be required to register as an Oklahoma sex offender for life even if she does not receive a life sentence to prison. Her no contest plea was likely advised by her Oklahoma sex crimes defense lawyer.
Most people do not understand the difference between a guilty plea and a plea of no contest, and a skillful attorney will closely advise his or her clients on which plea is likely to provide the best outcome. An Oklahoma City criminal defense attorney can explain the possible plea options and the advantages and disadvantages to each.
Essentially, a defendant has three plea options: not guilty, guilty, or nolo contendere (no contest). In a not guilty plea, the defendant maintains his or her own innocence. By pleading not guilty, the defendant chooses to have his or her case go to trial to be decided by a judge or jury. In a guilty plea, the defendant admits to the crime or crimes of which he or she is accused.
By pleading not guilty, the defendant avoids the time and expense of a jury trial and accepts the conviction and sentencing of the judge. A plea of no contest has a similar outcome to a guilty plea: there is no trial, the defendant is convicted of a crime, and the judge issues any sentence.
In a no contest plea, the defendant admits no guilt; rather, the defendant chooses not to fight the charges at trial. A nolo contendere plea may offer some relief from civil litigation related to the criminal charge. Another possible plea option in Oklahoma is the "Alford plea."
An Alford plea is similar to a no contest plea. However, whereas a plea of no contest neither accepts nor denies guilt, in an Alford plea, the defendant proclaims his or her innocence. By making an Alford plea, the defendant says that, although he or she is innocent of the charges, the prosecution's evidence would likely result in conviction. The defendant chooses the court's judgment over a jury trial.
If you have been charged with a criminal offense, your Oklahoma defense lawyer should carefully explain your options for pleading and should make sure you understand the advantages, disadvantages, and likelihood of success for each plea. Before making a plea, be certain your attorney has fully explained the options available to you and how each is likely to impact your case.
