Meaning “nolo contendere” in Latin, no contest is a plea used in criminal proceedings as an alternative to a guilty or not guilty plea. When a defendant pleads no contest, he or she neither admits nor disputes committing the criminal offense.
Although a no contest plea is not the same as pleading guilty, it is considered a criminal conviction according to the judge. A no contest plea can show up on a permanent criminal record.
So why even plead no contest? While a no contest plea has many similar outcomes as a guilty plea, the most important advantage is that a no contest plea can't be used to prove guilt, in the event the plaintiff takes civil action against the defendant at a later date.
Other benefits of pleading no contest include:
- Avoid expensive attorney fees to try a case
- Avoid enduring the trial process
- Receive a lighter sentence on a lesser charge as opposed to the uncertainty of a more severe punishment as a result of the trial
If you have been arrested for a crime in Kansas or Missouri, request a free consultation with our Kansas City criminal defense attorneys at Stein Law, LLC today.