Nolo Contendere


Definition of Nolo Contendere

Nolo contendere is a Latin term that means, "I will not contest."

In the context of the law, nolo contendere is a type of plea in which a criminal defendant does not admit guilt nor declare innocence, but simply accepts punishment for the crime. The defendant then carries out the sentence that is associated with the crime.



Nolo Contendere Explained

The reason why many defendants make nolo contendere pleas rather than pleading guilty is because pleading guilty can sometimes lead to another lawsuit, or to the defendant being prosecuted for another crime. So, in many circumstances, it is simply easier for the defendant to plead no contest and to just accept the punishment for the crime.

This type of plea often occurs when the defendant believes that a conviction is inevitable.





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