Nolo Contendere
/ˈnoʊloʊ kənˈtɛndɛri/
Definitions
- (phrase) A plea by which a defendant in a criminal prosecution accepts conviction as though a guilty plea had been entered but does not admit guilt and waives the right to contest the charge.
The defendant entered a nolo contendere plea to avoid a lengthy trial.
Related terms
See also
Commentary
This plea is often used to avoid civil liability while resolving the criminal case.
This glossary is for general informational and educational purposes only. Definitions are jurisdiction-agnostic but reflect terminology and concepts primarily drawn from English and American legal traditions. Nothing herein constitutes legal advice or creates a lawyer-client relationship. Users should consult qualified counsel for advice on specific matters or jurisdictions.