What is what does it mean to plea no contest?

A no contest plea, also known as nolo contendere (Latin for "I do not wish to contend"), is a plea in a criminal or traffic case in which a defendant neither admits nor disputes guilt. It's an alternative to pleading guilty or not guilty.

Here's what it means:

• Not an Admission of Guilt: Unlike a <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/guilty%20plea">guilty plea</a>, a no contest plea does not admit guilt. The defendant is essentially saying they don't want to fight the charges.

• Treated as a Guilty Plea for Sentencing: For the purposes of sentencing in the immediate case, a <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/no%20contest%20plea">no contest plea</a> is generally treated as a guilty plea. The court can impose the same penalties as if the defendant had pleaded guilty.

• Avoids Civil Liability: The primary benefit of a no contest plea is that it can't be used against the defendant in a subsequent <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/civil%20lawsuit">civil lawsuit</a>. For example, if someone pleads no contest to drunk driving, that plea cannot be used as evidence that they were negligent in a civil suit for damages resulting from the accident. A guilty plea can be used as evidence.

• Court Discretion: A judge has the discretion to accept or reject a no contest plea. They might reject it if they believe the defendant should admit guilt or go to trial.

• Immigration Consequences: It's crucial to note that in some jurisdictions and under certain circumstances, a <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/no%20contest%20plea">no contest plea</a> can have the same consequences as a guilty plea for immigration purposes. Consult an attorney.

• Criminal Record: A <a href="https://www.wikiwhat.page/kavramlar/criminal%20record">criminal record</a> will still be made following this plea.