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 York, the concept of a no-contest plea, or 'nolo contendere,' is not recognized in the same way it is in some other jurisdictions. New York does not allow a defendant to formally enter a no-contest plea in criminal cases. Instead, defendants in New York must either plead guilty or not guilty. A guilty plea is an admission of guilt and can be used against the defendant in a subsequent civil lawsuit. A not guilty plea leads to a trial where the prosecution must prove the defendant's guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. However, in certain civil violations, such as traffic infractions, there may be an opportunity to negotiate a plea to a lesser charge that does not imply an admission of guilt, which can be similar in effect to a no-contest plea. Defendants considering how to plead should always consult with an attorney to understand the implications of their plea and to receive guidance tailored to their specific situation.