What does "no lo" mean in court?

Asked by: Mrs. Laurie O'Connell  |  Last update: July 16, 2025
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Share. Definition: A legal plea where a defendant does not admit guilt but accepts conviction, similar to a guilty plea. Pronunciation: \ˈnō-(ˌ)lō-kən-ˈten-də-rē\

What does Lo mean in legal terms?

L.O means “last order” S.O means “short order” or “stand over”( meaning put up, for hearing another date)

What does nolo stand for in law?

Found almost exclusively in the legal term nolo contendere , nolo means "I do not want" or "I do not wish" or "or I choose not" in Latin. [Last updated in July of 2020 by the Wex Definitions Team ]

What happens when you plead no low?

It is a plea where the defendant neither admits nor disputes a charge, serving as an alternative to a pleading of guilty or not guilty. A no-contest plea means that defendants refuse to admit guilt but accept punishment as if guilty, and is often offered as a part of a plea bargain.

What does "nolo" say mean?

Nolo means No Contest. This plea means you are not pleading guilty or not guilty, but simply accepting the charge and agreeing to the fine and sentence.

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35 related questions found

Why would someone plead nolo?

It is better to plead nolo contendere in misdemeanor cases when a defendant anticipates a civil action arising out of the same conduct from which the criminal prosecution was based.

What does Nolo do for you?

Nolo, formerly known as Nolo Press, is a publisher in Berkeley, California, that produces do-it-yourself legal books and software that allows people to handle simple legal matters such as making wills or writing business partnership contracts.

What is the advantage of a nolo contendere plea over a guilty plea?

A no-contest plea, also known as nolo contendere, is a legal option where the defendant neither disputes nor admits to the criminal charges. This type of plea allows the court to convict the defendant without the admission of guilt that accompanies a guilty plea.

How long does nolo contendere stay on record?

Both misdemeanor and felony convictions remain on your record indefinitely. A no-contest plea will result in a permanent criminal record for both types of offenses unless you successfully petition for expungement or an order of nondisclosure (sealing).

Can a judge say no to a plea deal?

The judge has the authority to accept or reject a plea bargain. They will consider the nature of the charges and the defendant's criminal history, if any, as well as the circumstances surrounding the case.

Does nolo go on your record?

A no-contest plea, known often by its Latin name "nolo contendere," has the same primary legal effects as a guilty plea. If you plead no contest to a criminal charge, you will have a conviction on your record, just as though you had pleaded guilty or been convicted after a trial.

What does nolo prosecute mean?

Nolle prosequi (abbreviated nol. pros. ) is a Latin phrase, which directly translates to “not to wish to prosecute.” Nolle prosequi is a legal notice or entry of record that the prosecutor or plaintiff has decided to abandon the prosecution or lawsuit .

What happens if a defendant refuses to enter a plea?

If the defendant refuses to plead, or if a defendant corporation fails to appear, the court must enter a plea of not guilty. Fed.

What is the meanings of Lo?

interjection. ˈlō Synonyms of lo. used to call attention or to express wonder or surprise.

What is the abbreviation for Lo?

abbreviation for

loved one (used, especially by women, in digital communications to refer to one's romantic partner or spouse): I realized that my LO and I really didn't have much in common in terms of interests and basic values that could have held us together.

Is nolo contendere good or bad?

A no-contest plea, also known as a nolo contendere plea, is one in which the defendant does not admit guilt but accepts punishment as if they had pled guilty. This type of plea is often used when the defendant wants to avoid a lengthy trial or public admission of guilt.

Does nolo contendere show up on background check?

Still there are a few things that you should always keep in mind with no contest pleas. First, a nolo contendere conviction is still a criminal conviction. It goes on your criminal record and will appear on any background checks for jobs.

What is a nolo plea?

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 waives the right to a trial and agrees to accept the penalty .

What is the disadvantage of nolo contendere?

Drawbacks of a No Contest Plea

There are potential negative consequences to entering this plea. Because nolo contendere pleas lead to criminal convictions, the crime can be referenced in any future prosecution against the defendant for other criminal actions.

Should I plead no contest or not guilty?

If you might face a civil case related to your alleged crime, a no-contest plea can help you avoid giving the plaintiff a powerful piece of evidence. On the other hand, a guilty plea might get you a better deal from the prosecution, but it's essential to weigh the potential for a civil lawsuit.

What are the benefits of Nolo?

When used correctly, nolo pleas allow people to avoid receiving points off their license. A nolo contendere plea is also known as a no contest plea. In basic terms, a nolo plea is where a person decides not to contest the charge and just accepts a punishment. You can choose to plead nolo once every five years.

Why is it called nolo?

(Nolo, in Latin, means "I don't choose to." Warner and Sherman thought it was appropriate given that they had never intended to become publishers.)

Which of the following is an advantage of nolo contendere plea?

A key advantage of the nolo contendere plea is that while you accept the conviction, you are not admitting guilt. This can help mitigate consequences in related civil lawsuits, as your no contest plea generally cannot be used against you as evidence of liability.