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.

Does nolo contendere go on your record?

A nolo contendere plea is also known as a no contest plea. ... You will face the same sentence as if you entered a regular guilty plea, but it does not go on your record. Nolo pleas can also be used to avoid a license suspension for the following offenses once every five years: No insurance.