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

A plea bargain and a plea agreement are two different types of negotiation options available to defendants in criminal defense law in Hawaii. A plea bargain is an agreement between the prosecution and the defense in which the defendant agrees to plead guilty to a lesser charge or to fewer charges in exchange for a more lenient sentence. It is important to note that the prosecutor must still prove the defendant’s guilt and that the plea bargain must be approved by the court. A plea agreement, on the other hand, is an agreement between the defendant and the prosecution in which the defendant agrees to plead guilty in exchange for the prosecutor making specific promises. For instance, the prosecutor may agree to drop certain charges or recommend a lighter sentence. In a plea agreement, the defendant must admit to the criminal conduct and accept responsibility for their actions. Both plea bargains and plea agreements can help defendants to reduce their sentences, which is why they can be an important part of a criminal defense strategy. However, it is important to note that plea bargains and plea agreements are not always the best option; defendants should always consider their options carefully before agreeing to these types of deals.

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

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