What is the difference between a plea of guilty and a guilty plea?

A plea of guilty and a guilty plea are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they each have distinct meanings in the context of drug crimes law in Utah. A plea of guilty is when a defendant made before a judge in a court of law admits they did the crime they are being charged with. It is a formal admission of guilt. This can be done after the defendant has been convicted by a jury of their peers or after they have accepted a plea bargain offered by the prosecution. A guilty plea, on the other hand, is when a defendant plead guilty without going to trial. It is a formal agreement between the prosecution and the defendant to avoid the expense, time, and uncertainty associated with going to court. When a defendant takes a guilty plea, they agree to be convicted of the crime and to accept responsibility. In exchange, the prosecution may reduce the charges or sentence and the defendant may avoid the time and expense of a trial. Both a plea of guilty and a guilty plea are important components of drug crimes law in Utah. In either case, a defendant must understand the potential consequences of their decision before entering into any legal agreements.

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What is the difference between a plea of guilty and a guilty plea?

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