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 Minnesota, a no-contest plea, also known as nolo contendere, is not explicitly recognized in the same way it is in some other jurisdictions. Instead, Minnesota law generally expects a defendant to enter a plea of guilty or not guilty. However, under certain circumstances, a defendant may enter an Alford plea, which is similar to a no-contest plea. An Alford plea allows a defendant to maintain their innocence while acknowledging that the prosecution's evidence is likely to persuade a judge or jury to find them guilty. Like a no-contest plea, an Alford plea results in a conviction and the same criminal penalties as a guilty plea, but it may not necessarily be an admission of guilt that could be used against the defendant in a subsequent civil lawsuit. It is crucial for a defendant considering an Alford plea to consult with an attorney to understand the potential consequences and to ensure that their rights are protected throughout the legal process.