What type of plea does not admit guilt but agrees to accept a penalty?

The correct answer is nolo contendere, which is a legal term meaning "I do not wish to contend." When a defendant pleads nolo contendere, they do not admit guilt for the crime but also do not dispute the charges against them. This plea allows the court to impose a penalty as if the defendant were found guilty. It is often chosen because it can limit the potential use of the plea in future civil litigation, as it is not technically an admission of guilt.

In contrast, an Alford plea involves a defendant maintaining their innocence while acknowledging that a guilty plea may result in a lesser sentence or other benefits. A plea of not guilty indicates that the defendant disputes the charges entirely, asserting their innocence. Lastly, an affirmative defense is a legal strategy where the defendant acknowledges the facts of the case but provides a legal justification for their actions. Nolo contendere specifically allows for accepting a penalty without admitting guilt, making it distinct from the other options provided.