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 Mexico, 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. By entering a no-contest plea, the defendant agrees to accept a conviction without admitting guilt, which can be beneficial in avoiding an admission of liability in subsequent civil litigation related to the same facts. However, a no-contest plea still results in a criminal conviction and the associated penalties. It is important to note that not all charges may be eligible for a no-contest plea, and the acceptance of such a plea is at the discretion of the court. Given the potential consequences of a no-contest plea, it is crucial for a defendant to seek the advice of an attorney to fully understand the implications and to ensure that their rights are protected throughout the legal process.