What is the difference between plea bargaining and deferred adjudication?

Plea bargaining and deferred adjudication are two different legal processes used in DUI law in Pennsylvania. Plea bargaining is when a person charged with a DUI agrees to plead guilty in exchange for a reduced sentence or other type of punishment. The defendant will usually have to accept a lesser charge or a lesser sentence in exchange for the plea bargain. In some cases, the prosecutor may agree to drop certain charges in exchange for a guilty plea. Deferred adjudication is an alternative form of punishment. In deferred adjudication, the court allows the defendant to take part in an alternative sentencing program, such as an alcohol treatment program or a driver improvement course. If the defendant successfully completes the program, the charge is waived and the DUI charge is dismissed. The main difference between plea bargaining and deferred adjudication is that plea bargaining involves pleading guilty in exchange for a reduced sentence, while deferred adjudication involves successfully completing an alternative sentence program in exchange for having the charge dismissed. In other words, plea bargaining requires pleading guilty and accepting a punishment, while deferred adjudication gives the defendant an opportunity to avoid conviction if they successfully complete the program.

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What is the difference between plea bargaining and deferred adjudication?

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