Legal Question in Criminal Law in Colorado

Re: what is the difference between a guilty plea and no contest plea?

Hello:

Legally, there is no difference between the two pleas. Under a guilty plea, the person must admit to certain facts underlying the charge. Under the nolo contendere plea, the person does not admit the facts of the charge, but rather declares to the court that the defendant is only admitting that the defendant believes he or she cannot prevail in refuting the charge. For some charges, the judge will accept only a guilty plea, with the defendant admitting the facts as charged, and a nolo contendere plea is not allowed. If either plea is accepted by the court, it is treated for sentencing as a guilty plea.

I hope this answer helps you. David Colt