What is a plea bargain?

A plea bargain refers to an agreement in a criminal case where a defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge or receives a reduced sentence in exchange for their cooperation, typically by admitting guilt to a crime that is less severe than the one for which they were originally charged. This process serves several purposes in the legal system. It helps to expedite case processing, reduce the burden on courts, and allows both the prosecution and defense to reach a resolution without the unpredictability of a trial.

In this context, it’s important to understand that plea bargains are designed to balance the interests of the defendant and the prosecution. The defendant may receive a lighter sentence or a guarantee that they will not face more serious charges, while the prosecution secures a conviction without the need for trial. This agreement can also foster cooperation from the defendant, as it may involve sharing information about other crimes or other defendants.

The other options do not accurately capture the essence of what a plea bargain is. Delaying a trial does not involve a guilty plea or agreement on terms. Securing witness testimony typically falls under different legal procedures, such as witness protection or immunity arrangements. Negotiating legal fees is unrelated to the concept of a plea bargain, which focuses on the resolution of charges and sentencing rather than