Non vult contendere, a Latin phrase, translates to “he will not contest it.” This term is frequently employed in legal contexts to signify a plea of no contest. Essentially, it indicates that the defendant neither admits guilt nor disputes the charges. To put it simply, it is akin to saying “I’m not admitting fault, but I won’t contest it either.” For instance, John opted to plead non vult contendere instead of guilty or not guilty when he was charged with speeding.
Non vult contendere, a Latin term meaning “he will not contest it,” is utilised in legal contexts to signify a plea where the defendant neither admits guilt nor challenges the charges against them. This plea is commonly referred to as a “no contest” plea. For instance, in Example 1, John opted to plead non vult contendere instead of disputing the traffic violation charges in court. Similarly, in Example 2, the defendant entered a plea of non vult contendere for the embezzlement charges. These examples exemplify the application of non vult contendere in legal proceedings, where the defendant refrains from admitting guilt while also refraining from contesting the charges. This plea is frequently employed when the defendant wishes to avoid a trial or believes that challenging the charges would be arduous.
“Non vult contendere” is a Latin term that translates to “no contest” in English. It is a plea that a defendant can enter in a criminal case, indicating that they do not admit guilt but will not contest the charges against them.
A defendant can use the “non vult contendere” plea when they do not want to admit guilt but also do not wish to contest the charges. It is typically used when the defendant believes that a guilty plea would have negative consequences in civil proceedings or other legal matters.
Entering a “non vult contendere” plea is similar to entering a guilty plea in terms of the outcome of the criminal case. The defendant will be convicted and sentenced accordingly. However, unlike a guilty plea, a “non vult contendere” plea cannot be used against the defendant in civil proceedings as an admission of guilt.
In most cases, a “non vult contendere” plea cannot be withdrawn once it has been entered. It is considered a final plea, and the defendant is bound by it. However, there may be exceptional circumstances where a court allows the withdrawal of the plea, but such instances are rare.
A “non vult contendere” plea does not provide any advantage or disadvantage in terms of sentencing. The judge will consider the facts of the case, the defendant’s criminal history, and any other relevant factors to determine an appropriate sentence, just as they would with a guilty plea.
In most jurisdictions, a “non vult contendere” plea can be used in all types of criminal cases, including misdemeanors and felonies. However, there may be specific circumstances or offenses where this plea is not allowed, so it is essential to consult with an attorney to determine its applicability in a particular case.
Yes, a “non vult contendere” plea will appear on a defendant’s criminal record. It will be treated similarly to a guilty plea in terms of its impact on the individual’s criminal history.
No, a “non vult contendere” plea cannot be used as evidence of liability in a civil lawsuit. It is specifically designed to prevent the defendant’s criminal plea from being used against them in civil proceedings.
One potential disadvantage of entering a “non vult contendere” plea is that it does not allow the defendant to present a defence or challenge the evidence against them. Additionally, while it cannot be used against them in civil proceedings, it may still have collateral consequences, such as affecting professional licenses or employment opportunities.
Yes, it is highly recommended to consult with an experienced attorney before entering a “non vult contendere” plea or any other plea in a criminal case. An attorney can provide guidance on the potential consequences, evaluate the strength of the case, and help determine the best course of action based on the individual circumstances.
This site contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Persuing this glossary does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
This glossary post was last updated: 16th April 2024.
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