What is a plea bargain in criminal cases?

A plea bargain is an agreement between a criminal defendant and the prosecution in which the defendant agrees to plead guilty or no contest to a criminal charge in return for certain concessions from the prosecution. In South Carolina, plea bargains are relatively common and can be used to resolve nearly any criminal case. In a plea bargain, the defendant gives up the right to a trial and agrees to plead guilty or no contest to a reduced charge or to a lesser offense in exchange for a lighter sentence. The prosecutor may agree to reduce the charge itself, agree to a less severe sentence recommendation, or both. Prosecutors might also agree to drop additional charges or agree not to file additional charges in the future. The advantages of a plea bargain are that it can help avoid the time and expense of a trial and, in some cases, result in a more lenient sentence. The downside is that once a plea is entered, the defendant waives his or her right to a trial. This means that the defendant can no longer dispute the charge or facts of the case. Additionally, a guilty or no contest plea may have an impact on civil rights, employment, and immigration status. For these reasons, it is important for any criminal defendant to understand the legal implications of a plea bargain prior to entering any agreement. An experienced criminal defense attorney can help defendants make informed decisions and can negotiate plea bargains that meet the defendant’s needs.

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What is a plea bargain in criminal cases?

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