What is plea bargaining in criminal defense law?

Plea bargaining is a process in criminal defense law that allows a defendant and prosecutor to negotiate a reduced sentence in exchange for a guilty plea. In California, plea bargaining is common, especially in hardened criminal cases. Plea bargaining can be beneficial for both the prosecutor and the defendant. For the prosecutor, plea bargaining offers a quicker and less expensive criminal justice process. Prosecutors also can use plea bargains to secure convictions in difficult cases. For the defendant, plea bargaining can provide an opportunity to lower the severity of the sentence they are facing. It also allows a defendant to avoid the risk associated with standing trial. The plea bargain may offer a significantly lighter sentence or even reduced charges. This may be especially helpful for first-time offenders. In California, most plea bargains are made between the prosecutor and defense attorney without any involvement of a judge or jury. The state’s judicial system has put guidelines in place to ensure fairness in the process. These guidelines include requiring judges to approve plea deals before they are finalized. As with any legal process, there are pros and cons to using a plea bargain. It is important for defendants to understand the legal system and their rights. Consulting with an experienced criminal defense lawyer can be beneficial in these situations.

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What is plea bargaining in criminal defense law?

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