What is the difference between a plea and a plea bargain?

A plea is a formal response that a defendant makes to a criminal charge. It is an admission of guilt and can be anything from “guilty” to “no contest” to “not guilty.” A plea bargain is an agreement between the defendant and prosecutor. In a plea bargain agreement, the defendant agrees to plead guilty or “no contest” in exchange for a reduced sentence or reduced charges. The plea bargain typically requires that the defendant forfeit certain rights, such as the right to a jury trial. In Kansas, plea bargain agreements are allowed for drug crimes. When a plea bargain is accepted, the defendant’s sentence is generally reduced or changed in some way. The prosecutor may agree to drop certain charges or reduce the prison term, for example. The plea bargain also helps to avoid a lengthy and expensive trial. Ultimately, the difference between a plea and a plea bargain is that the plea bargain is a negotiated agreement between the defendant and the prosecutor. In a plea bargain agreement, the defendant agrees to plead guilty or “no contest” in exchange for a reduced sentence or reduced charges. The plea agreement helps to avoid a lengthy and expensive trial.

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What is the difference between a plea and a plea bargain?

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