Which plea means the defendant accepts the charge without admitting guilt?

The correct answer is "no contest." This plea, also known as "nolo contendere," allows a defendant to accept the charges brought against them without formally admitting guilt. It effectively means that the defendant does not wish to contest the charges but does not plead guilty, which can be strategically beneficial in certain cases.

Choosing a "no contest" plea means that while the defendant accepts the consequences of the charge, they maintain the right to avoid admissions that could be used against them in a related civil case. This plea can often lead to a quicker resolution and can minimize the potential for further legal complications stemming from an admission of guilt.

On the other hand, pleading guilty involves a direct admission of guilt, while a not guilty plea indicates a denial of the charges and a desire to contest them in court. The insanity plea relates to the defendant's mental state and counters the charge based on their inability to understand the nature of their actions due to mental illness.