If a person charged with a criminal offense (crime) or an infraction or civil violation (a traffic ticket) enters a no-contest plea, the person does not admit their guilt, but admits the truth of the facts alleged by the government. A no-contest plea results in a conviction but may not be used against the person charged (the defendant) in a later civil lawsuit for money damages.

A no-contest plea means the defendant will not contest the charges against the defendant. This plea option is sometimes written as nolo contendere, which is the Latin term for “I do not wish to contend.”

The decision to plead no contest can have significant long-term consequences and a defendant should consult with a criminal defense lawyer before making such a decision.

In Delaware, a no-contest plea, also known as nolo contendere, is a type of plea where the defendant does not admit guilt but acknowledges that the prosecution has sufficient evidence to obtain a conviction. This plea results in a conviction without the defendant admitting to the crime. While a no-contest plea leads to a criminal conviction, it cannot be used as an admission of guilt in subsequent civil litigation that may arise from the same facts as the criminal case. However, not all charges in Delaware may be subject to a no-contest plea; some charges require a guilty or not guilty plea. The implications of entering a no-contest plea can be complex, and it is crucial for a defendant to consult with an attorney to understand the potential consequences and to ensure that their rights are protected throughout the legal process.