What is a plea of nolo contendere?

A plea of nolo contendere, or "no contest," is a legal term that signifies that the defendant does not dispute the charges brought against them. Importantly, while the defendant does not admit guilt, they also are not contesting the charges, which allows for a conviction without a formal admission of guilt. This type of plea can be strategically advantageous in criminal proceedings, particularly in situations where the defendant wishes to avoid the implications of a guilty plea in potential civil litigation related to the same matter.

In many jurisdictions, a nolo contendere plea results in the same legal consequences as a guilty plea, including sentencing. However, it can help the defendant avoid the admission of guilt, which might be relevant in later civil cases arising from the same facts. This distinction is significant in the context of legal and criminal justice practice.

The other options presented do not accurately describe the nature of a nolo contendere plea. For instance, denying all charges involves claiming innocence, requesting a trial by jury entails a different procedural pathway for the case, and a motion to dismiss refers to a request to terminate the case based on arguments about its validity or relevance, rather than entering a plea regarding the charges.