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

Plea bargaining is a common process used in criminal cases in North Carolina. It is a negotiation between the prosecution and the defense that allows the defendant to plead guilty to a lesser offense in exchange for a lighter sentence than if they had been found guilty of the original charge. This can be beneficial to both parties, as it can help the prosecution avoid costly trials and the defense can reduce the risk of facing a harsher sentence. In a plea bargain, the prosecution may reduce the charges, or recommend a more lenient sentence than what the defendant might have received if convicted. On the other hand, a defendant may plead guilty to a lesser charge or agree to a lighter sentence. The judge who is overseeing the case must give their approval of the plea bargain before it is valid. The process of plea bargaining in North Carolina is a well-defined process that includes case review and discussions between the prosecution and defense. The prosecutor must review the charges against the defendant and the facts of the case before deciding whether or not to enter into plea bargaining. If the prosecutor elects to proceed with the plea bargain, the prosecutor and the defendant’s attorney negotiate the terms of the agreement. After the agreement has been negotiated, the court must review the agreement to ensure that it is in the best interest of justice. If the court approves the plea bargain, the defendant may enter a plea of guilty in exchange for a reduced sentence or charge.

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

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