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 Michigan, a no-contest plea, also known as nolo contendere, is a legal option for a defendant in a criminal case. By entering a no-contest plea, the defendant does not admit guilt but acknowledges that the prosecution has sufficient evidence that could lead to a conviction. This type of plea results in a conviction, similar to a guilty plea, but it cannot be used as an admission of fault in subsequent civil litigation that may arise from the same facts as the criminal case. However, not all charges allow for a no-contest plea, and its acceptance is at the discretion of the court. The implications of a no-contest plea can be complex, and it is crucial for a defendant to seek the advice of an attorney to fully understand the potential consequences and to ensure that their rights are protected throughout the legal process.