What is a “nolo contendre” plea?
The term “nolo contendre” means “no contest.” There are cases in which a person may decide that it is better not to contest the charges but does not want to plead guilty for other reasons. For example, a driver is involved in a motor vehicle accident and receives a ticket for speeding. The driver does not want to contest the ticket but does not believe the accident was his or her fault. The driver does not want to admit in criminal court that he or she was speeding because the admission could be used against the driver in civil court. A nolo contendre plea is not an admission of guilt and could not be used against the driver in civil court.
