Verified by Licensed Bail Bond Professionals•Last updated: March 2026
Definition: A plea in which the defendant does not admit guilt but accepts the punishment as if guilty. Unlike a guilty plea, a nolo contendere plea cannot be used against the defendant in a subsequent civil lawsuit.
Category: Court Process · Statute: Florida Rule of Criminal Procedure 3.170 · Source: Florida Legislature
FL Rule 3.170 — Pleas"A defendant may plead not guilty, guilty, or, with the consent of the court, nolo contendere."
Nolo vs. Guilty: What's the Difference?
Both result in a conviction and the same sentence. The crucial difference is that a nolo plea cannot be used as an admission of guilt in a civil lawsuit. For example, if you plead nolo to assault, the alleged victim cannot use that plea as proof in a personal injury lawsuit against you.
When to Use Nolo
Nolo contendere is most commonly used when there's potential for a civil lawsuit related to the criminal charges — such as DUI with injury, assault, or property damage cases. A defense attorney can advise whether this plea is appropriate.