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 Florida, a no-contest plea, also known as nolo contendere, is a type of plea where the defendant does not admit guilt but accepts the punishment for the crime without contesting the charges. This plea results in a conviction, similar to a guilty plea, but it cannot be used as an admission of liability or guilt in subsequent civil litigation over the same incident. The Florida Rules of Criminal Procedure allow for no-contest pleas, and the court has the discretion to accept or reject such a plea. When a defendant enters a no-contest plea, they essentially agree to be convicted and sentenced without admitting to the criminal conduct. It is crucial for a defendant to consult with an attorney before entering a no-contest plea, as it carries significant legal consequences, including potential sentencing, criminal record implications, and impact on future civil cases.