What is the definition of 'no-contest' in the context of a plea to a felony charge for an Endless Summer Sweets franchisee?

According to the 2024 Endless Summer Sweets Franchise Disclosure Document, if a franchisee or any owner is charged with, pleads guilty, or pleads 'no-contest' to a felony, it can trigger certain actions by the franchisor. The FDD excerpt does not define 'no-contest'.

A 'no-contest' plea, also known as 'nolo contendere', means the defendant neither admits nor disputes the charges, which is treated as a guilty plea for sentencing purposes. For an Endless Summer Sweets franchisee, pleading no-contest to a felony has significant implications under the franchise agreement.

Since the document does not define 'no-contest', it is important for a prospective franchisee to seek legal counsel to fully understand the implications of such a plea within the context of the franchise agreement and to ask the franchisor for clarification.