Another translation version is, "I do not want to contend." A plea entered in law by the defendant that subjects the person to a judgment of conviction; by so doing the defendant does not necessarily admit guilt, but also declares that he/she will not offer any defence. The defendant may then be declared guilty, yet retain the right to deny the validity of that finding in related proceedings.

When a defendant pleads nolo contendere, he/she neither admits guilt nor proclaims innocence and so avoids negative publicity that would occur in an actual trial.