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

A plea bargain and a plea agreement are two terms that are sometimes used interchangeably. However, each of these terms describes a different concept in the criminal justice system. A plea bargain is an offer from a prosecutor to a defendant in a criminal case. It allows the defendant to plead guilty to a lesser charge or to accept a reduced sentence in exchange for a guilty plea to the original charge. A plea agreement, on the other hand, is an agreement between the defendant and the prosecutor in which the accused agrees to a particular plea in exchange for the prosecutor dropping some charges and/or recommending a reduced sentence. In Ohio, plea agreements are made between the prosecutor and the defendant and are based on the facts of each case and the defendant’s background. The agreement must be accepted by the judge, who will consider the degree of the crime and the evidence available to decide if the defendant should be offered a plea agreement. However, if the judge finds that the plea agreement is too lenient, they can reject the agreement and the case will proceed to trial. Plea bargains and plea agreements are both helpful tools in the criminal justice system. Plea bargains can reduce the severity of the crime and provide the defendant with an opportunity to reduce their sentence while plea agreements can result in the dismissal of charges and help the accused avoid a long, drawn-out trial.

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

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