No contest (nolo contendre) is just that, it means you bypass the trial and get to sentencing. Reduction of charges are not possible because you just plead essentially guilty to the charge. Nolo just protects you from civil damages really because you are not being adjudicated guilty through a trial by a judge or jury (i.e., no one will need to decide the burden of beyond a reasonabledoubt). Depending on the efficacy of your attorney, your sentencing term may be reduced or if you qualify for an alternative conviction program, you might be able to go through some sort of rehabilitation program and community service and if you stay out of trouble for a certain time period, then your conviction would be dismissed and/or expunged.