Call Now  (713) 227-4444 Email Us Hablamos
Español

Neal Davis Blog

  • About
    • Neal Davis
    • Tyler Brock
    • Hiring An Attorney
  • Expertise
    • Criminal Defense
    • Sex Crime Defense
    • Child Pornography
    • Child Solicitation
    • Drug Possession
    • White Collar Crimes
    • Shoplifing/Theft
    • DWI
    • Murder Defense
    • Assault & Family Violence
    • Title IX Defense
  • Results
  • Reviews
  • Press
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • Criminal Defense Guides
    • Scholarships
Home / Criminal Defense / What is a Nolo Contendere (No Contest) Plea Deal?

What is a Nolo Contendere (No Contest) Plea Deal?

January 3, 2022

What is a Nolo Contendere (No Contest) Plea Deal?

You may have heard of a “nolo contendere” plea deal when it comes to court cases involving a criminal charge.

But what exactly is this plea, and what does it mean?

An example arose recently when former UFC champion Jon Jones pleaded nolo contendere to a misdemeanor charge of destroying the property of another in a Las Vegas, NV court.

That meant the former Ultimate Fighting Championship winner must pay $750 restitution to a victim, attend anger management counseling and stay out of further trouble.

In this way, Jones avoided being tried on a felony charge of tampering with a vehicle – which was reduced to the misdemeanor charge – and avoided being tried on a misdemeanor charge of domestic battery, a charge which was dropped as part of his plea deal.

Those charges stemmed from an incident involving an allegedly injured woman and a damaged police vehicle on Sept. 24, 2021 at a resort on the Las Vegas Strip.

What does a nolo contendere plea mean?

In Latin, nolo contendere means “I do not wish to contend.” More commonly, the term simply means “no contest.”

By making a no contest plea in court, the defendant (or accused person) accepts a conviction but does not admit guilt for the crime. In a way, a nolo contendere plea amounts to accepting guilt without actually admitting it. That means the defendant faces the same fundamental consequences of a guilty verdict for a criminal charge, but without going through a trial and without admitting any guilt.

With a nolo contendere plea, the defendant does not accept responsibility or deny responsibility for the act leading to the criminal charge. Instead, the defendant accepts the punishment for a conviction of the act, while not admitting to being guilty of it. The defendant also avoids what could be a lengthy – and possibly unsuccessful – trial if he or she contested the charge with a “not guilty” plea.

Benefits of nolo contendere pleas

By pleading no contest in a criminal action, the defendant gains another benefit—namely that he or she avoids having a guilty plea used against them in another cause of action, such as a civil suit for damages. Such things could involve damages to property or an injury to a person as part of the alleged criminal act.

On the other hand, if you plead guilty in a criminal court, that plea can transfer to a civil court and work against you in a civil claim.

However, if you plead nolo contendere – or no contest – in criminal court, then that plea cannot be used against you in a related civil case.

Texas allows nolo contendere pleas

Texas is among the states which allow a nolo contendere plea when facing a trial on a state criminal charge.

If you or a loved one faces a criminal charge and needs award-winning legal help, contact a criminal defense lawyer for the Houston area at the Neal Davis Law Firm today.

Whether the charge involves a sex crime, child pornography, assault, domestic violence or other crimes, we stand ready to fight for the legal rights of persons in Houston and throughout Harris County, as well as in Fort Bend County and Montgomery County. Contact us today, and let’s get started.

Related Resources

  • Johnny Depp Accuser ‘Twisted’ Assault Tale, Witness Says
    Johnny Depp Accuser ‘Twisted’ Assault Tale, Witness Says
  • DNA Testing Can Yield Results in Cold Cases
    DNA Testing Can Yield Results in Cold Cases
  • Faked Kidnapping Leads to Plea Deal
    Faked Kidnapping Leads to Plea Deal

Learn More About Criminal Defense


Overview of Criminal Defense
Questions to Ask Your Attorney
White Collar Crime
Crime Classifications
Common Criminal Defense Questions
Have You Been Arrested
Death Penalty Law
Criminal Defense Legal Terms
Rights of the Defendant
Employment after Incarceration

5-star review image
Forever grateful
Criminal Defense  |  Beaumont
Client's federal charges declined
2020-06-25
"Neal, I have been waiting a long time to send this to you! If it weren't for you, ..."
A.C., Verified Customer
5-star review image
They were very responsive and their actions saved me
Criminal Defense  |  Houston
Federal charges declined
2014-10-14
"Neal's team was amazing. Not only did they take the time and listen to my every fear, they ..."
A.E., Verified Customer
5-star review image
He helped us with a weapons case
Criminal Defense  |  Houston
Client's illegal possession of weapons case dismissed
2015-08-29
"Neal is an honest and very knowledgeable attorney. I highly recommend him. My son was arrested going through ..."
Father of Client S.M., Verified Customer

Categories

  • Child Pornography & Online Solicitation
  • Community
  • Criminal Defense
  • Drug Crimes
  • Federal Crimes
  • Firm News
  • Intoxication Offenses
  • Sex Crimes
  • Violent Crimes
  • White Collar Crime

Search

Criminal Defense Court Process

FREE E-BOOK

Learn all about the legal process and your legal rights.

Get Your Free Copy Now

Board Certified, Criminal Law – Texas Board of Legal Specialization (2009-2021), AV Rated by Martindale Hubbell (2015), and listed as a Best Lawyer in America (2015-2020)

He doesn't give up, no matter what you're up against
M.F.
5-star review image
Got my life back
K.W.
5-star review image
Muy satisfechos con su trabajo
Tia de J.C.
5-star review image

Read All Reviews

    Contact Our Law Firm




    We respect your privacy. The use of this form does not establish an attorney-client relationship.

    Address
    Neal Davis Law Firm
    The Heights Boulevard Law Building
    1545 Heights Blvd., Suite 700
    Houston, TX 77008

    Map

    Call 24/7
    (713) 227-4444

    Office Hours
    Monday - Saturday
    8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

    Sunday: Closed


    Experienced Criminal Defense Law Firm in Texas

    While based in Houston, our law firm provides knowledgeable representation and comprehensive legal services for individuals throughout Texas, including:


    Location

    Harris County:

    Houston, Pasadena, Baytown

    Montgomery County:

    Conroe, The WoodlandsWillis, Pinehurst

    Fort Bend County:

    Sugar Land, Richmond, Needville, Cinco Ranch


    Your Houston Criminal Defense Lawyer: Neal Davis


    A principle of the American criminal justice system is that all defendants are "innocent until proven guilty." Houston criminal defense attorney Neal Davis and his skilled legal team represent individuals accused of committing crimes. For over 20 years, Neal Davis has successfully defended clients in Texas and federal courts in all types of criminal matters at all phases, from state misdemeanors to complex federal matters. Often, he has favorably resolved criminal cases quickly and quietly, without the need for trial.


    The Neal Davis Law Firm defends the rights of individuals charged with all types of state crimes, including drug offenses , child sex crimes, online solicitation of a minor , child pornography, DWI and intoxication manslaughter, fraud and theft, assault and family violence, and murder and homicide, as well as all types of federal crimes.


    Board Certified, Criminal Law – Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Serving all of counties and federal courts across Texas, including Harris County (Houston), Montgomery County (Conroe), Galveston County and Fort Bend County (Richmond). Enjuris Texas personal injury guide

    © 2022 Neal Davis Law Firm, PLLC. All rights reserved. Law Firm Online Marketing by SEO Advantage, Inc.


    Legal Information

    The information and materials on this website are provided for general informational purposes only, and are not intended to be legal advice. We attempt to provide quality information, but the law changes frequently, and varies from place to place. The information and materials provided are general in nature, and may not apply to a specific factual or legal circumstance. An attorney and client relationship should not be implied. Nothing on this website is intended to substitute for the advice of an attorney; therefore, if you require legal advice, please consult with a competent attorney licensed to practice in your jurisdiction. Every case is different and individual results may vary depending on the facts of a case.