What is the federal criminal justice system's approach to plea bargaining?

The federal criminal justice system has a specific approach to plea bargaining, which is an important part of the process. In the federal court system, plea bargaining typically occurs when both the prosecutor and the defendant agree to a resolution, or plea, that avoids going to trial. This means that the prosecutor offers the defendant a plea agreement, such as reduced charges or a more lenient sentence than they would have faced if the case went to trial. The two parties negotiate the terms of the plea bargain before it is accepted. The prosecutor’s goal is to get the defendant to admit guilt and accept the sentence in exchange for a lesser punishment. For the defendant, the benefit of a plea bargain is that they avoid trial, which can be an expensive process and may result in a harsher sentence if they are convicted. When the plea bargain is accepted, the court either dismisses the case or enters a conviction. The details of the plea bargain are then read into the record. In some cases, the judge may also need to approve the plea bargain before it is finalized. In North Carolina, plea bargaining is governed by the North Carolina General Statutes, Chapter 15A. This statute outlines the rules for plea bargaining, such as who is allowed to enter into a plea bargain, what offenses are eligible for plea bargaining, and how the plea bargain must be negotiated. It also sets forth the guidelines for the judge’s approval of the plea agreement.

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What is the federal criminal justice system's approach to plea bargaining?

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