What is the federal system of plea bargaining?

Plea bargaining is a legal process that is used in both the federal and state criminal justice systems. It occurs when a defendant and the prosecution come to an agreement to resolve a criminal case. The defendant agrees to plead guilty, usually to a lesser charge or for a lesser sentence, in exchange for a reduced or dismissed charge. The federal system of plea bargaining is a formal system that involves a court-approved agreement between the prosecution and defense. In this agreement, the defendant agrees to plead guilty as charged or to a lesser charge in exchange for a reduced or dropped charge or more lenient sentence from the prosecution. The agreement must be approved by the court and cannot be changed. In California, the plea bargaining process is regulated by California Penal Code § 1192.7. It prohibits the defense from directly communicating with the prosecution about the sentence or disposition of the case without the approval of the court. Both the defense and the prosecution must submit proposed plea agreements to the court. The court then reviews the agreement and must decide whether to accept it or not. The court may require additional information or modify the agreement before deciding whether to accept it. Plea bargaining is used frequently in both the state and federal criminal justice systems. In California, it is an important tool for resolving cases quickly and efficiently, as it avoids long and costly trials. It also allows defendants to take responsibility for their actions and receive a more lenient sentence, and it helps the court system manage its caseload.

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