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

A plea of guilty and a plea of nolo contendere are two different types of plea agreements used in the court of law. When one pleads guilty, they are admitting to a crime and accepting the punishment that comes with it. A plea of nolo contendere, or no contest, is an agreement to accept the punishment without admitting guilt. In Minnesota, a plea of guilty has very serious consequences. If a person pleads guilty to a drug crime, they could face jail time, fines, probation, or a combination of all three. A guilty plea also results in a criminal record, which can make it difficult to obtain housing and employment in the future. A plea of nolo contendere does not carry the same consequences as a plea of guilty but it does indicate that the accused is not willing to dispute the charges against them. This plea does not result in a criminal record and the accused is usually offered a reduced sentence. However, if the accused violates the terms of their sentence, the court may revoke the plea and the original charges can be brought back up. Overall, a plea of guilty indicates an admission of guilt and carries with it more serious consequences than a plea of nolo contendere. A plea of nolo contendere does not admit guilt and is usually offered as an alternative to pleading guilty, but it still carries legal consequences.

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

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