Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Re: No contest

A "no contest" plea has the same force and effect as a guilty plea, but often cannot be used against you in a civil suit for monetary damages based upon the same conduct. (Sometimes it can be used).

You still cannot own a firearm, etc if the crime was a felony.

Re: No contest

A plea of no contest is the same as plea of guilty except that, unlike a guilty plea, it can't be used in a civil lawsuit as proof that the defendant actually committed the crime(s).

A plea of guilty, in turn, has the same legal effect as being convicted after a trial. There are two major differences in practical terms: Guilty pleas can (1) result in more lenient sentences if the parties have negotiated a deal; and (2) save quite a bit of money for those defendants who are paying their legal fees and court costs.