What types of pleas can be entered by a defendant?

• A. Not guilty, guilty, no contest
• B. Not guilty, Guilty, Nolo Contendere, or a Special Plea
• C. Not guilty only
• D. Guilty or no contest

Answer: (B)

Plea options a defendant may enter include not guilty, guilty, no contest (nolo contendere), and a special plea for defenses that don’t fit the standard categories. The three basic pleas cover denying the charges, admitting guilt, or accepting punishment without an explicit admission, while a special plea handles unique defenses such as not guilty by reason of insanity or other procedural or jurisdictional issues. Because the question asks for all types of pleas a defendant can enter, the best answer lists the standard three plus the special plea, making it the most complete and accurate description. Descriptions that omit the special plea or omit one of the standard pleas are incomplete because they don’t reflect all permissible options a defendant may use at arraignment.