List of U.S. states by Alford plea usage

[12] The Alford plea arose out of the 1970 case before the Supreme Court of the United States, North Carolina v.

[12] In that case, the Supreme Court ruled that the defendant could enter a plea of guilty while still asserting his innocence.

[12] The ruling of the Court stated that the defendant, "may voluntarily, knowingly, and understandingly consent to the imposition of a prison sentence even if he is unwilling or unable to admit his participation in the acts constituting the crime.

"[17] Indiana, Michigan, and New Jersey forbid the usage of Alford pleas within their state court systems.

"[12] In the 2008 book Criminal Procedure, author John M. Scheb pointed out that a majority of the states have initiated measures to make sure that the plea is entered into of the defendant's own accord, and that it is grounded in a factual basis.

[7] Scheb wrote, "Most states have adopted similar rules of procedure to ensure that pleas are voluntary and comply with constitutional requirements.

"[7] Scheb discussed the manner in which the court determines the factual basis for the plea, "In determining that a factual basis exists for the defendant's plea, judges often have the prosecutor briefly outline available proof to establish a prima facie case of the defendant's guilt.