What is a plea bargain in criminal cases?

A plea bargain is an agreement between a defendant and a prosecutor in which the defendant agrees to plead guilty to one or more charges in return for a lesser penalty or other consideration. In New York, plea bargaining is often used in criminal cases to allow a defendant to reduce the penalties they face. A plea bargain can reduce the charges the defendant is facing or the sentence they might receive. For example, a defendant might plead guilty to a lesser crime than the one they were originally charged with or agree to a shorter sentence. In return, the prosecutor may decide to drop other charges, reduce the charge to a lesser offense, or recommend a lighter penalty to the court. The state of New York places strict limitations on plea bargaining. Prosecutors are not allowed to make plea bargains if the defendant is convicted of a crime that involves a mandatory minimum sentence. Additionally, the prosecutor must inform the court about the details of the plea bargain and the court must agree to the negotiated plea agreement before it can be implemented. Plea bargaining allows both sides to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of their case and reach an agreement that is beneficial for both parties. It can also save time and money by avoiding the cost of a trial and helping a defendant to get their life back on track by reducing or eliminating the punishment they face.

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What is a plea bargain in criminal cases?

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