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 Nevada, 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 enough evidence to prove the charge. By entering a no-contest plea, the defendant agrees to accept a conviction without admitting fault. This plea cannot be used as evidence of guilt in a subsequent civil lawsuit for money damages. However, it does result in a criminal conviction and carries the same penalties and consequences as a guilty plea. The decision to enter a no-contest plea is significant and can impact a defendant's life in various ways. Therefore, it is highly recommended that a defendant consult with an attorney to fully understand the implications of such a plea and to receive guidance on the best course of action given the specifics of their case.