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 Rhode Island, 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 directly admitting to the criminal act. This plea results in a conviction similar to a guilty plea, but it has the distinct advantage of not being considered an admission of guilt in subsequent civil litigation that may arise from the same facts as the criminal case. However, it's important to note that a no-contest plea can still have serious and lasting consequences, including potential sentencing similar to that of a guilty plea. Defendants are strongly encouraged to seek the advice of an attorney to fully understand the implications of a no-contest plea and to ensure that their rights are protected throughout the legal process.