"No Contest" Pleas
There’s a way for defendants to accept punishment without formally admitting guilt. Of course, with this option, the defendant still suffers a conviction and receives a sentence for the crime in question. But, there may be a secondary benefit to avoiding the term “guilty.”
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What Does Pleading "No Contest" Mean?
A "nolo contendere" plea is a lot like a guilty plea.
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Can a plea of “no contest” count against you in civil court?
Entering a plea of “no contest”—or nolo contendere—is similar to a guilty plea: The defendant is convicted and sentenced as if the plea were “guilty.” (See
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Can a judge refuse to accept a “no contest” or nolo contendere plea?
In many places, judges must consent to defendants entering no-contest (or nolo contendere) pleas.
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Must there be a factual basis for a "no contest" plea?
In most places, there has to be a factual basis for a guilty
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Can a "No Contest" Plea Bite You Later in Life?
I am charged with a misdemeanor, reckless driving. If I plead "no contest," will I have a conviction on my record--and can the no contest plea be offered into evidence against me if I am sued in civil court?
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