What is the difference between a plea of guilty and a plea of nolo contendere?

A plea of guilty is an admission of guilt in criminal charges. The defendant is agreeing to accept the punishment that the court imposes as a result of the guilty plea. A plea of nolo contendere, on the other hand, is a plea of “no contest.” This plea means that the defendant is not going to fight the charges but is not admitting any guilt. If the court accepts the plea of nolo contendere, the defendant is still subject to the same punishment as if he or she had entered a guilty plea. In Florida, a plea of guilty or nolo contendere is completely voluntary, and the court can only accept the plea after the defendant has been fully informed of the constitutional rights being waived and the potential consequences of the plea. A plea of guilty generally results in the conviction of the defendant and may also include a plea agreement that could include a reduced sentence. A plea of nolo contendere, however, does not result in a conviction and does not include a plea agreement, though the court can still impose a sentence. In drug crime law in Florida, it is important to understand the differences between these two types of pleas and the consequences of each one. The decision should not be taken lightly, as it could have serious legal consequences. It is always best to consult a qualified criminal defense attorney before deciding which plea to enter.

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What is the difference between a plea of guilty and a plea of nolo contendere?

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