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 Virginia, 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 obtain a conviction. When a defendant enters a no-contest plea to a criminal offense or a civil violation such as a traffic ticket, they are essentially agreeing to accept the conviction without admitting fault. This plea cannot be used as an admission of guilt in subsequent civil litigation seeking money damages. However, it is important to note that a no-contest plea will result in a conviction and can have similar consequences to a guilty plea, including penalties such as fines, imprisonment, or other sanctions. Due to the potential implications of such a plea, it is highly advisable for a defendant to consult with an attorney to fully understand the ramifications and to ensure that their rights are protected throughout the legal process.