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

The terms “plea agreement” and “plea bargain” are often used interchangeably, and they share many similarities. In the state of Virginia, a plea agreement or plea bargain is an agreement between a defendant (the accused) and a prosecuting attorney (the legal representative of the state). The defendant may plead guilty or no contest in exchange for a reduced sentence or a reduced charge. A plea agreement is the written contract between the defendant and the prosecuting attorney. It specifies the terms of the plea, such as the charges the defendant is pleading guilty or no contest to, and the sentence that will be imposed. Often, the plea agreement will include an agreement from the defendant to waive certain rights, such as the right to a trial by jury. A plea bargain is the verbal agreement between the defendant and the prosecuting attorney, in which the defendant agrees to plead guilty or no contest in exchange for a lighter sentence or different charges. The plea bargain does not have to be put in writing and is usually more flexible than a plea agreement. In Virginia, any type of plea agreement or plea bargain must be approved by the judge before it takes effect. If the judge does not approve of the plea agreement or plea bargain, the case may proceed to trial. In order to ensure a fair outcome for both the defendant and the state, it is important to understand the difference between a plea agreement and a plea bargain.

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

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