What is the term for a plea by a criminal defendant who does not contest charges?

A plea by a criminal defendant who does not contest the charges is termed "guilty." This plea indicates that the defendant admits to the charges and accepts responsibility for the crime. By entering a guilty plea, the defendant waives the right to trial and accepts the legal consequences that follow, which can include sentencing.

This process is often part of plea bargaining, where a defendant agrees to plead guilty to a lesser charge or receives a reduced sentence in exchange for avoiding a trial. Entering a guilty plea can provide closure for the victim and the legal system, as it streamlines the court process and allows the focus to shift to sentencing and rehabilitation.

Understanding the implications of a guilty plea is crucial for anyone involved in the justice system, as it can significantly affect the outcome for the defendant, both legally and personally. Other options such as "not guilty" denote a denial of the charges or contesting them, while "no contest" (which is also known as nolo contendere) indicates that the defendant does not admit guilt but also does not contest the charges. "Innocent plea" is not a recognized legal term in the court system.