What is the difference between a plea of not guilty and a plea of nolo contendere?

A plea of not guilty and a plea of nolo contendere are two different types of pleas that a defendant can enter in response to a criminal charge. A plea of not guilty is the defendant’s way of denying guilt. This plea allows the defendant to claim innocence and to move forward with a jury trial. On the other hand, a plea of nolo contendere is essentially a plea of “no contest.” This plea does not admit guilt, but it still allows a court to enter a conviction, similar to a guilty plea. The primary difference between a plea of not guilty and a plea of nolo contendere is the effect each plea has on the defendant’s criminal record. When a defendant enters a plea of not guilty, a criminal record is not created and the case will go to trial where the defendant can dispute the charges against them. On the other hand, when a defendant enters a plea of nolo contendere, the court may enter a conviction, which will then create a criminal record for the defendant. In the state of Texas, a plea of nolo contendere can be offered to a defendant charged with a drug crime. While a plea of not guilty allows the defendant to fight the charges against them, a plea of nolo contendere does not directly admit guilt, but can result in a criminal record. Ultimately, the defendant should seek legal advice to determine the best course of action.

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What is the difference between a plea of not guilty and a plea of nolo contendere?

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