What is the process of plea-bargaining in criminal cases?

Plea bargaining is the process of negotiating a plea agreement between the prosecution and defense in criminal cases. In California, plea bargaining is a common practice in criminal cases. Generally, it involves the defendant agreeing to plead guilty or no contest to some or all of the charges in exchange for a reduction in penalties. In California, plea bargaining is usually done through the district attorney or defense attorney. It is an informal process that allows for a variety of negotiation options. Generally, the district attorney will agree to lower charges or reduce sentencing if the defendant agrees to plead guilty or no contest. The prosecutor will also suggest a plea bargain, where the defendant agrees to testify against others in exchange for a lower sentence. Both the prosecution and defense have to agree to the plea bargain to make it valid. If the defendant decides to reject the plea bargain, the case will be decided by a jury or the judge. A defendant may also choose to go to trial and face the original charges. The process of plea bargaining is intended to provide an efficient and humane resolution of criminal cases. It allows the defendant to avoid the more serious consequences that would result from a conviction, while also giving the prosecution a more certain outcome. In California, plea bargaining is an important part of the criminal justice system and can be a great way for defendants to minimize the consequences of their criminal behavior.

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What is the process of plea-bargaining in criminal cases?

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