Nolo contendere is a plea meaning no contest.
In plain language, the defendant does not admit guilt in the ordinary way but accepts that the court may treat the case similarly to a guilty plea for purposes of the criminal proceeding. Availability and effect vary by jurisdiction and case type.
Why it matters
Nolo contendere matters because plea wording can affect later consequences. A no contest plea may avoid a direct admission in some settings, but it can still lead to conviction, sentencing, fines, probation, or other criminal-case outcomes.
The term is important when a defendant, prosecutor, or court is discussing plea options and collateral consequences.
Where it appears
The term appears in plea hearings, plea agreements, misdemeanor cases, traffic cases, criminal judgments, and discussions of whether a plea can be used in later civil litigation.
Practical example
A defendant charged with a minor offense enters a no contest plea with the court’s permission. The court may impose sentence without requiring the defendant to say, “I am guilty,” in the same form as a guilty plea.
How it differs from nearby terms
Nolo contendere differs from a plea because it is one particular type of plea. It differs from a guilty plea because the defendant is not making the same direct admission of guilt, even though the criminal-case result may be similar.
It also differs from a plea bargain, which is the negotiated agreement that may include a no contest plea.
Related terms
Quick knowledge check
Question: What does nolo contendere usually mean in plain language?
Answer: It means no contest.