Alford plea

American  

[al-ferd] / ˈæl fərd /

noun

1. Law. a pleading of guilty in a plea bargain in which a defendant maintains their innocence.

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Etymology

Origin of Alford plea

From the 1970 case North Carolina v. ( Henry C. ) Alford

Example Sentences

It was under these circumstances that Williams and the DA reached a deal: Williams would agree to an Alford plea, whereby he would maintain his innocence but agree to serve a life sentence.

From Slate • Oct. 9, 2024

Leo Wise urged Scarsi to reject the Alford plea, stating that doing so would be “contrary to the rule of law” and “an injustice.”

From Los Angeles Times • Sep. 5, 2024

The president's son would like to submit what is known as an Alford plea, a rare form of plea allowing defendants to maintain their innocence while accepting a guilty verdict and sentence.

From BBC • Sep. 5, 2024

The Bismarck Tribune cited court documents in reporting that former Bismarck Officer George Huff entered an Alford plea on Oct.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 28, 2023

As part of the agreement, Kitchens entered into an Alford plea, which permits defendants to maintain their innocence while pleading guilty.

From Salon • Aug. 24, 2023