{"id":352288,"date":"2023-09-12T12:59:18","date_gmt":"2023-09-12T17:59:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/criminal\/criminal-procedure\/plea-bargain-pros-and-cons.html"},"modified":"2026-09-28T18:24:19","modified_gmt":"2026-09-28T23:24:19","slug":"plea-bargain-pros-and-cons","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-procedure\/plea-bargain-pros-and-cons.html","title":{"rendered":"The Pros and Cons of Plea Bargains for Those Facing Criminal Charges"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The Pros and Cons of Plea Bargains for Those Facing Criminal Charges<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Laura Temme, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

A plea bargain<\/span> is a negotiated agreement in a criminal case<\/span> where a defendant<\/span> pleads guilty<\/span>, often to a lesser offense, in exchange for a more lenient sentence and to avoid a trial. While this process offers certainty and can reduce penalties, it requires the defendant<\/span> to waive fundamental constitutional rights, such as the right to a jury trial<\/span>. A judge must almost always approve the final agreement.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n

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While more than 90% of criminal cases<\/span> end with a plea deal<\/span>, deciding whether to accept one is serious and carries significant consequences. This article explores the potential advantages and disadvantages of accepting a plea bargain<\/span> to help you understand your options.<\/p>\n

Potential Benefits of <\/span>Plea Bargaining<\/span><\/h2>\n

For a defendant<\/span>, the main benefit of a plea bargain<\/span><\/a> is receiving a more favorable outcome than what they might face if convicted at trial<\/span>. Let\u2019s examine some of the benefits of agreeing to a\u00a0plea deal<\/span>.<\/p>\n

Reduction in Charges (Charge Bargaining<\/span>)<\/h3>\n

This is the most common type of plea deal<\/span>. The prosecutor<\/span> agrees to drop more serious charges if the defendant<\/span> pleads guilty<\/span> to a lesser one. For example, a defendant<\/span> facing a felony charge<\/span><\/a> might plead guilty<\/span> to a related misdemeanor.<\/p>\n

A lesser charge<\/span> has several benefits:<\/p>\n