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 New Jersey, a no-contest plea, also known as nolo contendere, is not recognized in the same way it is in some other jurisdictions. New Jersey does not formally allow a no-contest plea in criminal cases. Instead, defendants have the option to plead guilty or not guilty. When a defendant pleads guilty, they admit to the offense, whereas a not guilty plea leads to a trial where the prosecution must prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. However, in certain municipal court matters, such as traffic violations or other minor offenses, a defendant may effectively enter a plea that does not admit guilt but accepts punishment, similar to a no-contest plea. This is often referred to as a 'guilty with an explanation' plea. It's important for defendants to understand that pleading guilty to a traffic violation or other minor offense can have implications, including points on a driver's license and potential insurance rate increases. Consulting with an attorney is crucial before making any plea, as the decision can have significant legal and personal consequences.