Louisiana Bail Bonds Practice Exam

What does it mean when a defendant pleads "Nolo Contendre" in court?

1. They plead not guilty

2. They refuse to plead

3. They accept the charges without admitting guilt

4. They request a jury trial

The correct answer is: They accept the charges without admitting guilt

When a defendant pleads "Nolo Contendre," they are essentially choosing to accept the consequences of the charges against them without formally admitting guilt. This means they do not contest the charges, but at the same time, they avoid making a direct admission of guilt that could be used against them in any future civil litigation related to the same act. By entering a plea of nolo contendere, the defendant acknowledges that the court could find them guilty based on the evidence presented but maintains their right to remain silent regarding an admission of guilt. This plea can be particularly strategic in certain legal scenarios, allowing the defendant to resolve the criminal charges while also offering some protection in potential civil suits arising from the same incident.