What is a plea bargain?

A plea bargain is a negotiation between the prosecution and the defendant, where the defendant agrees to plead guilty to a lesser charge or to one of multiple charges in exchange for a more lenient sentence or the dismissal of other charges. This process is designed to save time and resources for the court system, while also providing the defendant with the opportunity to receive a lighter punishment than they might face if the case went to trial and resulted in a conviction on more serious charges.

By reaching a plea bargain, both parties can avoid the uncertainties of a trial. The prosecution secures a conviction and can allocate resources elsewhere, while the defendant may reduce potential penalties they would face if found guilty at trial. This practice is common in many legal systems as it balances the need for efficient legal proceedings with the rights of the accused.