what does it mean to plead "no contest" and is this plea always available regardless of the charges?

Answer 1

It is different than either "guilty" or "not guilty".

When you plead guilty, you are admitting to the underlying substantive actions and facts of the crime. That admission can be used against you during later trials, especially civil law suits.

When you plead nolo contendre ("no contest"), you are not admitting guilty. You are simply acknowledging that you do not intend to raise a defense to the charges during the criminal trial. As a result, your statement cannot be used as an admission.

At one time, a plea of nolo contendre still required the prosecution to present sufficient evidence (uncontested) that would establish the prima facie elements of the case. Most jurisdictions have dispensed with that formality and allow the judge to make a determination of guilt as a matter of law based on the no-contest plea.

Answer 2

Ok, first the charge is not always avaliable, it depends on state or local court rules.

for example in Atlanta you can only use it once very 3 years for traffic offenses

The Nolo Plea, or no contest means that you will take the punishment, fine or what ever and that you are not saying you are guilty but you are saynig that there is so much evidence you would be found guilty.

Answer 3

It means you're not pleading "guilty" or "not guilty", but only that you are not going to defend yourself against the charges. It is usually treated by the courts in the same light as a guilty plea, and so far as I know it's always an option.

Answer 4

It is often used to minimize civil actions against you rather then a guilty plea. For the criminal aspect it is no different then a guilty plea; but if the victim files a law suit against the perpetrator the "no contest" plea means they did not admit guilt and the victime would have to prove it.

Answer 5

No admission to guilt. You are found guilty for not opposing the charges.

Answer 6

guilty and yes

Answer 7

guilty and yes