Why would someone plead nolo?
Asked by: Amanda Gulgowski | Last update: January 25, 2026Score: 4.8/5 (55 votes)
This is generally after the defendant decides he's not interested in proceeding to trial, but instead wants to resolve the case. Sometimes this is because the defendant is guilty. Other times, it's simply because he's looking to accept responsibility and get the case over with.
What is the point of a no-contest plea?
A no-contest plea is a statement made by the defendant in a criminal case where they neither admit nor deny the charges against them but agree to accept punishment. Essentially, it's a way for the defendant to avoid admitting guilt while acknowledging that the prosecution has enough evidence to likely convict them.
What happens if you plead nolo in Georgia?
If you wish to plead guilty or nolo contendere for most Municipal Court cases, your fine could be up to $1000 plus surcharges, and you could be subject to serve up to 12 months (state law violations) or six (6) months (local ordinance violations) in jail or on probation.
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.
What is the purpose of Nolo?
Nolo contendere (/ˌnoʊloʊ kənˈtɛndəri/) is a type of legal plea used in some jurisdictions in the United States. It is also referred to as a plea of no contest or no defense. 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.
What is a Nolo Plea?
Is pleading nolo the same as pleading guilty?
No Contest/Nolo Contendere
A plea in which the defendant does not contest the charge. Nolo contendere has the same legal effect as a guilty plea; however, it may not be used against the defendant as an admission of guilt in a civil suit based upon or growing out of the act upon which the criminal prosecution is based.
Does Nolo go on your 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).
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.
Is nolo contendere good or bad?
Is it better to plead guilty or no contest? 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.
Does no-contest plea show up background check?
If the job application asks if you've "pleaded guilty to a felony," then you may legally answer "no." But keep in mind that your employer may discover your no contest felony conviction through a background check.
Can you use Nolo on a DUI?
Pleading no contest or nolo contendere means you admit no guilt for the crime, but merely signify your consent to being punished as if you were guilty. There is no trial, and sentencing is often made immediately.
What are the 5 types of pleas allowed in Georgia?
There are a few kinds of pleas in Georgia criminal cases. These include Not Guilty pleas, Guilty pleas, Nolo Contendere pleas, and Alford pleas.
What is a first time offender in Georgia?
The First Offenders Act in the Peach State allows individuals who have not previously been convicted of most types of felony charges to plead guilty or nolo contendere without being convicted. This can include first-time white-collar offenders and some of Georgia's non-violent sex offender laws.
What is the disadvantage of nolo contendere?
Negative consequences: While a no-contest plea does not involve an admission of guilt, it may still be considered a conviction on your record. If it is a conviction, your no-contest plea can lead to you having difficulty finding jobs, getting into school, getting professional state licensure, etc.
Is it better to plead guilty or not guilty?
By maintaining a not guilty plea, you retain the leverage needed to negotiate a more favorable plea agreement. This could result in lesser charges, reduced sentences, or alternative sentencing options that might not be available if you initially plead guilty.
What is the meaning of Nolo?
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.
Why do people plead no contest?
Legal Advantages
By pleading no contest as a part of a plea bargain, a defendant can avoid going to trial on a criminal charge. This can be advantageous if a trial's outcome is uncertain or if a defendant doesn't want facts in the case to be aired out in public in a criminal proceeding.
What is the difference between a guilty plea and a plea of nolo contendere?
Pleading guilty means you admit that you committed the crime. Pleading no contest (“nolo contendere”) means accepting the conviction but avoiding a factual admission of guilt.
Is nolo contendere a conviction in Georgia?
Plea of nolo contendere defined.
Fortson v. Hopper, 242 Ga. 81, 247 S.E.2d 875 (1978). Plea of nolo contendere constitutes a plea of guilty except that the plea cannot work any civil disqualification on the defendant.
What is the primary advantage to the defendant of offering a plea of nolo contendere?
For most defendants, the primary advantage of a no-contest plea is that it often can't be used as an admission of liability in a related civil case. For example, suppose that John got into an argument with a person at a bar, and the argument turned into a fight.
What happens if you plead not guilty?
What happens if I plead not guilty? A not guilty plea denies the charge and none of your constitutional rights are waived unless you expressly wish to do so. You are presumed innocent, and the prosecution must prove your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at a subsequent trial.
Can you plead nolo in federal court?
Under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 11, a plea of nolo contendere shall be accepted by the court only with its consent and only after it gives due consideration to the views of the parties and the interest of the public in the effective administration of justice.
Is Nolo a conviction?
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.
Should I plead Nolo for a speeding ticket?
If you believe the evidence against you is weak and wish to challenge the ticket, pleading not guilty may be the appropriate course of action. However, if you acknowledge that you were speeding but want to avoid the potential consequences of a trial, opting for a no contest plea might be more suitable.
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.