A guilty plea is an admission that you committed the offense. The court will enter a conviction and move to sentencing. A no contest plea (also called nolo contendere) means you are not admitting guilt, but you are also not fighting the charge. The court will advise the defendant that, for the purposes of sentencing, it will be treated the same as if they had entered a guilty plea. This means that you will be sentenced the same whether you say you are guilty or enter a no contest plea.
Where the difference can matter is outside the criminal case. In California, non-felony cases (misdemeanors), a no contest plea generally cannot be used against you as an admission in a civil lawsuit based on the same incident. That does not mean you “cannot be sued” (someone can still file a civil case), but it can reduce the ability to use the plea itself to prove liability.
If you are facing criminal charges in San Joaquin or Stanislaus county call us today for a free 30 minute consultation!