Why Would Someone Plead Nolo Contendere?

The purpose of entering a no contest plea is often to avoid being sued civilly for essentially confessing to a crime, which is the basis of a guilty plea. ... Pleading no contest or nolo contendere means you admit no guilt for the crime, but the court can determine the punishment.

What's the point of nolo contendere?

In a criminal proceeding, a defendant may enter a plea of nolo contendere, in which the defendant does not accept or deny responsibility for the charges but agrees to accept punishment. The plea differs from a guilty plea because a "no contest" plea cannot be used against the defendant in another cause of action.

Why you should plead no contest?

When you plead no contest, you are not explicitly admitting guilt. However, by not choosing to contest the charges, you are largely doing the same thing. Pleading no contest means that you will be convicted of the crime. However, you get to avoid a lengthy trial.