What is a plea bargain in criminal defense law?

A plea bargain is a negotiation that takes place between a criminal defendant and the prosecuting attorney in criminal defense law. In North Carolina, plea bargaining is used to avoid the cost and uncertainties of a trial. In a plea bargain, the prosecution offers a reduced charge or sentence in exchange for a guilty plea from the defendant. The main benefit of plea bargaining is that it decreases the time it takes to resolve a criminal case. It also reduces court costs and increases efficiency for the court system. In addition, the defendant may receive a lesser sentence than if a jury were to convict them of the original charge. The outcome of a plea bargain can be favorable for both the prosecution and the defendant. The prosecution is able to obtain a guilty plea, making their case easier to win. The defendant also benefits because they may receive a lighter or more lenient sentence. Plea bargaining can sometimes lead to a conviction of the defendant when they are guilty of a lesser crime. This is known as "plea bargaining down." This can be beneficial for the defense as the sentence for a lesser crime is often much lower than for a more serious offense. Although plea bargaining can help both the prosecution and the defendant, it also has disadvantages. For example, the defendant may feel coerced into accepting a plea bargain if they feel the evidence against them is too strong. Additionally, plea bargaining can reduce the certainty of the outcome of a criminal case and it can lead to disputes between the prosecuting attorney and the defense.

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