A more thorough explanation:

Definition: Meaning "no contest," this phrase translates from the Latin as "I do not wish to contend." In a criminal proceeding, a defendant may enter a plea of nolo contendere, in which the defendant does not accept or deny responsibility for the charges but agrees to accept punishment.

Overview: The plea differs from a guilty plea because a "no contest" plea cannot be used against the defendant in another cause of action. Some states do not allow defendants to ask the court's permission to plead nolo contendere. In federal cases, the Rules of Federal Criminal Procedure allow such pleas, with the court's permission.

Examples: If a person is charged with a crime, they may choose to plead nolo contendere instead of guilty or not guilty. For example, if someone is charged with a traffic violation, they may plead nolo contendere and agree to pay a fine without admitting guilt. Another example is if someone is charged with a more serious crime, such as assault, they may plead nolo contendere and accept a plea bargain for a lesser sentence without admitting guilt.

Explanation: The examples illustrate how a defendant can use a plea of nolo contendere to avoid admitting guilt while still accepting punishment. In the first example, the defendant avoids admitting guilt for a traffic violation but still agrees to pay a fine. In the second example, the defendant avoids admitting guilt for assault but still accepts a plea bargain for a lesser sentence. This plea can be beneficial for defendants who want to avoid the consequences of a guilty plea but do not want to go through a trial.