What is a plea bargain?

A plea bargain is an agreement between a defendant and a prosecutor in a criminal case. In a plea bargain, the defendant agrees to plead guilty or no contest in exchange for a reduced sentence or some other benefit from the prosecutor. In North Carolina, plea bargains are commonly used to resolve DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) cases. In a plea bargain for a DWI charge in North Carolina, the defendant might agree to plead guilty or no contest in exchange for a reduced charge, such as reckless driving. The defendant may also be offered a reduced sentence, such as probation instead of jail time. In some cases, the prosecutor may agree to reduce the sentence further if the defendant completes certain conditions, such as an alcohol education program. The decision to accept a plea bargain for a DWI charge is ultimately up to the defendant. In some cases, defendants may choose to reject the plea bargain and take their chances with a trial. Depending on the facts of the case, the potential consequences of a conviction at trial could be more serious than those available in the plea bargain. Therefore, it is important for defendants to consider all of their options and discuss their case with an attorney before making a decision.

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What is a plea bargain?

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