Which outcome is a direct consequence of a nolo contendere plea?

A nolo contendere plea, or "no contest" plea, is a legal term indicating that a defendant does not admit guilt but also does not contest the charges against them. The option that claims it counts as a criminal conviction is accurate because when a defendant enters a nolo contendere plea, it is treated similarly to a guilty plea in that the court will still impose a conviction. The plea allows for the imposition of penalties without an outright admission of guilt, which can be significant for the defendant in terms of civil liability or future legal proceedings.

While courts typically treat a nolo contendere plea as a conviction, this plea does not equate to an admission of guilt in the broader sense, which is an important distinction—particularly in potential subsequent civil cases. This acknowledgement allows defendants some protection in future litigation, where an admission of guilt might be used against them.

Ultimately, the choice that it counts as a criminal conviction encapsulates the legal implications of a nolo contendere plea the best.