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

A trial and a plea bargain are two different processes that can take place in criminal defense law in Washington state. A trial is the formal process where a defendant is accused of a crime, and a judge or jury decides the defendant’s guilt or innocence. During a trial, the prosecution and defense both present evidence and make arguments. After hearing all of the evidence, the judge or jury makes a decision. This is the most common way of settling criminal defense cases in Washington. A plea bargain, on the other hand, is a process where the defendant negotiates with the prosecution and pleads guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a reduced sentence. In a plea bargain, the defendant agrees to accept responsibility for the crime in exchange for a lesser punishment, such as a reduced jail or probation sentence, or a fine. This is a common method used to resolve criminal defense cases in Washington, as it avoids the long and expensive process of a trial. In summary, the main difference between a trial and a plea bargain in criminal defense law in Washington is that a trial is a formal process used to determine guilt or innocence, while a plea bargain is a process of negotiation where the defendant pleads guilty in exchange for a reduced sentence.

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

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