What is a plea bargain in criminal cases?

A plea bargain is an agreement in a criminal case between the defendant and the prosecutor. In the agreement, the defendant agrees to plead guilty or no contest to a lesser charge than the one they were originally charged with or recommends to the court a particular sentence. In exchange, the prosecutor agrees to drop some of the charges or to recommend a lesser sentence to the court. In Michigan, plea bargaining is allowed for all but the most serious crimes, such as murder. Plea bargains are very common in Michigan criminal cases, as they offer a way for the defendant to avoid the risk of a lengthy prison sentence if they choose to take their case to trial and lose. Although plea bargains may not result in the best outcome for the defendant, they offer a way for the defendant to reduce the seriousness of the charge and the sentence they may face. In Michigan, the court has the final say on the outcome of criminal cases, and it must accept or reject any plea agreement. Plea bargains have become a necessary part of the justice system, as they offer a way for defendants and prosecutors to come to a resolution that is beneficial for both parties.

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What is a plea bargain in criminal cases?

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