What does nolo contendere mean?

What does nolo contendere mean?

• A. It means a person does not accept or deny responsibility for charges but agrees to accept punishment.
• B. It means the defendant denies all charges.
• C. It means the case is dismissed without a conviction.
• D. It means the defendant pleads guilty but with no penalty.

Answer: (A)

nolo contendere, or no contest, is a plea where the defendant does not admit guilt but agrees to accept punishment. This means they’re not admitting responsibility for the charges, yet they’re not contesting the outcome and will proceed to sentencing. It’s often used to avoid a formal admission of fault that could be used against them in related civil cases, while still resolving the criminal matter. That description is why the correct choice is the one stating the defendant does not accept or deny responsibility but agrees to punishment. The other options describe different pleas or outcomes—denying charges means not guilty, dismissal implies no conviction, and a guilty plea with no penalty doesn’t reflect how plea agreements work in practice.

nolo contendere, or no contest, is a plea where the defendant does not admit guilt but agrees to accept punishment. This means they’re not admitting responsibility for the charges, yet they’re not contesting the outcome and will proceed to sentencing. It’s often used to avoid a formal admission of fault that could be used against them in related civil cases, while still resolving the criminal matter. That description is why the correct choice is the one stating the defendant does not accept or deny responsibility but agrees to punishment. The other options describe different pleas or outcomes—denying charges means not guilty, dismissal implies no conviction, and a guilty plea with no penalty doesn’t reflect how plea agreements work in practice.