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 Ohio, a no-contest plea, also known as nolo contendere, is a legal option for a defendant in a criminal case. By entering a no-contest plea, the defendant does not admit guilt but acknowledges that the prosecution has sufficient evidence to prove the charge. This type of plea results in a conviction without the establishment of guilt, and it cannot be used as an admission of fault in subsequent civil litigation over the same facts. However, the court will typically treat a no-contest plea similarly to a guilty plea in terms of sentencing. It is important for defendants to understand that a no-contest plea will have similar immediate consequences to a guilty plea, including potential fines, incarceration, and a criminal record. Given the complexities and potential ramifications of entering a no-contest plea, it is highly advisable for a defendant to seek the counsel of an experienced attorney to fully understand the legal implications and to ensure that their rights are protected throughout the process.