23A-7-2. (Rule 11(a)) Pleas permitted to defendant--Requirements for plea of guilty or nolo contendere.
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/sd/title-23/chapter-23-7/23a-7-2A research copy — for the controlling text, always check the official state or federal source. Not legal advice.
A defendant may plead:
(1)Not guilty;
(2)Not guilty and not guilty by reason of insanity;
(3)Guilty;
(4)Nolo contendere; or
(5)Guilty but mentally ill.
Except as otherwise specifically provided, a plea of guilty or nolo contendere can only be entered by a defendant himself in open court. If a defendant refuses to plead, or if the court refuses to accept a plea of guilty or nolo contendere, the court shall enter a plea of not guilty. The court may not enter a judgment unless it is satisfied that there is a factual basis for any plea except a plea of nolo contendere.