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

The terms plea agreement and plea bargain are often used interchangeably and many people mistakenly believe that they mean the same thing. However, while they are related, they have different meanings when it comes to drug crimes law in California. A plea agreement is an agreement made between the prosecutor and the accused in which the accused agrees to plead guilty to the crime in exchange for certain concessions from the prosecutor. These concessions usually include reduced charges, a lighter sentence, or a dismissal of charges. The agreement is put in writing and both parties must sign it in order for it to be legally binding. A plea bargain is a negotiation process between the prosecutor and the accused in which both parties agree to a resolution of the case without the case going to trial. This resolution includes a plea agreement, but it also includes other concessions that may be beneficial to both sides. The accused may agree to a reduced sentence, the prosecution may agree to drop some or all of the charges, or the parties may agree to a lesser charge. In either case, the accused must agree to the plea bargain or plea agreement in order for it to be legally binding. The plea agreement is the final resolution of the case and must be signed by both parties in order to be enforceable.

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

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