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 Illinois, a no-contest plea, also known as nolo contendere, is not recognized in the same way it is in some other jurisdictions. Illinois does not allow a defendant to formally enter a no-contest plea in criminal cases. Instead, defendants in Illinois can either plead guilty or not guilty. A guilty plea is an admission of guilt and can be used against the defendant in a subsequent civil lawsuit. A not guilty plea means the defendant contests the charges, and the case will likely proceed to trial unless resolved through a plea agreement or another alternative. If a defendant is considering how to plead, it is crucial to consult with an attorney to understand the implications of a guilty plea, especially since a no-contest plea is not an option in Illinois. The attorney can provide guidance on the potential consequences and help negotiate any possible plea agreements that may be more advantageous.