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 Maryland, 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 conviction similar to a guilty plea, it cannot be used as an admission of fault in subsequent civil litigation based on the same facts. However, not all courts in Maryland accept no-contest pleas, and the acceptance of such a plea is at the discretion of the court. Defendants considering a no-contest plea should be aware of the potential consequences and are strongly advised to consult with an attorney to understand the implications of this plea in their specific case and to ensure that it aligns with their legal strategy.