Part IV · Relevancy and Its Limits

Rule 410. Pleas, Plea Discussions and Related Statements

Amended January 1, 2025 (current)

(a) Prohibited Uses Except as otherwise provided by statute, in a civil or criminal case, or administrative proceeding, evidence of the following is not admissible against the defendant who made the plea or participated in the plea discussions:

(1) a guilty plea that was later withdrawn;

(2) a nolo contendere or no contest plea;

(3) a statement made during a proceeding on either of those pleas under Arizona Rule of Criminal Procedure 17.4 or a comparable federal procedure; or

(4) a statement made during plea discussions with an attorney for the prosecuting authority if the discussions did not result in a guilty plea or they resulted in a later-withdrawn guilty plea.

(b) Exceptions The court may admit a statement described in Rule 410(a)(3) or (4):

(1) in any proceeding in which another statement made during the same plea or plea discussions has been introduced, if in fairness the statements ought to be considered together; or

(2) in a criminal proceeding for perjury or false statement, if the defendant made the statement under oath, on the record, and with counsel present.