A continuance without a finding not a guilty conviction. A continuance without a finding or CWOF is a plea that is less than a conviction. If you plead to a CWOF you are not pleading guilty, but you are admitting that there are enough facts to prove that you are guilty. If you are able to get a CWOF you will be placed on probation for a certain period of time. Most people who get a CWOF stay on probation for 1 year.
With most charges, if you get a CWOF it will not suspend your license. The most common exception is if you get a CWOF for a first offense DUI charge. If you get a CWOF for a first offense DUI, your license will be suspended. There are many charges that the Massachusetts legislature has defined as charged you cannot receive a CWOF. You may also face additional criminal consequences if you violate the terms of probation after pleading to a CWOF. The judge cannot allow you to plead to a CWOF after the jury finds you guilty, over the prosecutor’s objection. Finally, you in the immigration context, the federal government treats CWOF as convictions.
Learn More About:
The Importance of Telling Your Criminal Lawyer about Immigration Issues
Violating MA Probation Can Lead to More Jail Time
Call Attorney Jason Chan to talk about your case today at 508-808-8902.
