Nolo contendere is a legal term that comes from the Latin phrase for "I do not wish to contend". It is also referred to as a plea of no contest.

What happens if you plead nolo contendere?

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 is an example of nolo contendere?

The main reason someone would plead nolo contendere would be to avoid being responsible for damages in a related civil case. For example: Dominick and Eugene get into a fight over a girl, during which Dominick punches Eugene in the face, breaking Eugene's nose.