No Contest Plea
/ˌnoʊ kənˈtɛst pliː/
Definitions
- (n.) A plea by which a defendant neither admits nor disputes a charge, equivalent to a guilty plea for sentencing purposes but without admitting liability in subsequent civil cases.
The defendant entered a no contest plea to avoid a lengthy trial while accepting the court's punishment.
Commentary
Use precise local jurisdictional terminology as 'no contest' or 'nolo contendere' pleas may differ in acceptance and effect; it does not admit guilt but allows punishment as if guilty.