What is the difference between a trial and a plea bargain in criminal defense law?

In criminal defense law in Colorado, a trial and a plea bargain are two different options for the accused person to address their case. A trial is a process in which the accused person pleads not guilty and their attorney has the chance to present evidence to the court to prove their innocence. After the evidence is presented, the jury or judge will decide whether the defendant is guilty or not guilty. A plea bargain is an agreement between the accused person and the prosecutor. This is an agreement in which the accused person pleads guilty or no contest to a lesser charge. This is done in order to avoid a trial and a potential longer sentence. In exchange, the prosecutor may reduce the charge or offer a lighter sentence. A plea bargain is usually seen as a way to avoid the risk and cost of a trial. However, plea bargaining is not available for all cases and it is up to the judge to decide if such an agreement is acceptable. Also, there are risks associated with plea bargaining, such as the accused person not knowing the full scope of what the plea agreement entails. In summary, the main difference between a trial and a plea bargain is that a trial is a process of presenting evidence in court while a plea bargain is an agreement between the accused person and the prosecutor.

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What is the difference between a trial and a plea bargain in criminal defense law?

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