What is a plea bargain in criminal cases?

A plea bargain is an agreement made between the defense and the prosecution in criminal cases. It is an arrangement in which the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a more lenient sentence, or in some cases, a complete dismissal of the charges. In Washington, plea bargains are common in criminal cases. In some cases, when a defendant pleads guilty to a lesser offense, it resolves the case quickly, which saves the state’s resources. It also allows the defendant to receive a lighter punishment than if they were to go to trial and be found guilty of the original charge. When a plea bargain is offered, the defendant may choose to accept the deal or reject it and proceed to trial. If the defendant accepts the plea bargain, they must sign a document that waives their right to trial and agrees to accept the sentence offered. Plea bargains are not always in the best interest of the defendant, as they can reduce the punishment, but they also require an admission of guilt. Similarly, prosecutors must consider whether a plea bargain is in the best interest of the state. It is important for both parties to fully understand the consequences of a plea bargain before entering into one.

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What is a plea bargain in criminal cases?

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