{"id":352289,"date":"2023-09-12T10:03:38","date_gmt":"2023-09-12T15:03:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/criminal\/criminal-procedure\/plea-bargain.html"},"modified":"2023-09-12T10:03:38","modified_gmt":"2023-09-12T15:03:38","slug":"plea-bargain","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-procedure\/plea-bargain.html","title":{"rendered":"Plea Bargain"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Plea Bargain<\/h1>\n
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\n By Linda Sanabria, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Lisa Burden, J.D.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\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

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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

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Plea bargains resolve the vast majority of criminal cases well before trial. Whether a defendant was charged with a DUI, sex crime, domestic violence, or any other crime in between, chances are that a plea bargain will be an option. The majority of criminal cases will not keep their original charge and original sentence intact. Instead, a plea deal is usually arranged.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

In a plea bargain, the defendant agrees to plead guilty, usually to a lesser charge than the one for which they would stand trial. There are many reasons why a defendant may do this.
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Read on to discover plea bargaining basics. Learn about the benefits and risks that come with entering into a plea agreement, and the kinds of plea bargains typically negotiated.<\/p>\r\n

Plea Bargain Basics<\/h2>\r\n

Like civil cases, a plea deal is similar to a settlement. A plea bargain is an agreement in a criminal case between the prosecutor and the accused. It typically involves the defendant pleading guilty to a specific sentence in exchange for a reduced sentence that has been agreed upon in advance.<\/p>\r\n

Plea agreements swiftly resolve cases where there is little disagreement or where the evidence of guilt is overwhelming. Plea bargains also increase efficiency for the courts and reduce expense and time for the defendant. Critics of plea bargaining complain that this efficiency comes at the expense of transparency and justice.<\/p>\r\n

Sometimes, plea bargaining results in a lenient sentence that does not seem to match the severity of the crime. Although it is not a perfect solution, it is arguably the best option that we have to work within the criminal justice system.<\/p>\r\n

The Necessity of Plea Bargaining<\/h2>\r\n

The full criminal trial process can take months or even years to conclude. The criminal justice system would shut down if every criminal defendant demanded a full jury trial.<\/p>\r\n

There are not enough judges, clerks, and other personnel to accommodate the full trial process for every crime committed. Prosecutors and judges want to see a quick and efficient resolution to cases whenever possible, and introducing a reduced charge is one of the best ways to achieve that goal.<\/p>\r\n

Pros of Accepting a Plea Bargain<\/h2>\r\n

Criminal defendants accept plea bargains to:<\/p>\r\n