What are the advantages to pleading no contest for a DUI?

I was charged with a DUI but the arresting officer said that since I cooperated and it was my first offense, he would file it through the city and not the state which means I do not have to go to court or pay further fines. I was told I could go to court to contest the ticket if I wanted to. After speaking to the court clerk, I have decided to go to court and ask the judge to defer my case and put me on probation for 6 months, which apparently he does often. No one was injured and no minors were involved in my case. I was stopped for no headlights. A lawyer I spoke to told me to plead no contest, but in reading that it is essentially the same as a guilty plea, what are the advantages? Also my blood work is not back from the lab and court is tomorrow. But the lady told me it didn't matter. I know it's going to be well over the legal limit. Will the no contest plea factor in there?