A plea bargain occurs when the prosecution and the defense work out an agreement that resolves the case. Generally, a defendant will plead guilty in exchange for a reduction of the charges against him or her or a lighter sentence or both. To ensure that the defendant understands the terms of the plea, he or she must sign a plea agreement form waiving his or her right to a trial.
What is plea bargain?
A plea bargain is a negotiated agreement between a defendant and the prosecution in a criminal case, in which the defendant agrees to plead guilty or no contest to certain charges in exchange for concessions from the prosecution.
The purpose of a plea bargain is to resolve a criminal case without going to trial, saving time and resources for both the prosecution and the court.