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 Missouri, 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 prove the charge. This plea results in a conviction similar to a guilty plea, but it cannot be used as an admission of guilt in a subsequent civil lawsuit for money damages. However, it's important to note that not all states allow no-contest pleas, and the rules can vary. In Missouri, no-contest pleas are not explicitly recognized in the same way they are in some other states. Missouri courts typically deal with guilty or not guilty pleas. Before entering any plea, it is crucial for a defendant to consult with an attorney to understand the full implications of the plea and to ensure that their rights are protected throughout the legal process.