What is a plea bargain?

A plea bargain is an arrangement between the prosecutor and the defendant in a criminal case. In the plea bargain, the defendant agrees to plead guilty to a certain charge in exchange for a more lenient sentence or to have other charges dismissed. This arrangement is beneficial to both the prosecutor and the defendant since it reduces the amount of time spent on the case and avoids lengthy court proceedings. In Florida, the plea bargain process may begin when the defense team and the prosecution team meet, usually through their attorneys, to discuss the circumstances of the case and to negotiate a resolution that is agreeable to both sides. The plea bargain must meet the approval of the presiding judge, and if accepted, will be put into writing and signed by both parties. The plea bargain agreement typically requires the defendant to plead guilty to one or more criminal charges in exchange for a lesser sentence, thereby avoiding the need for a trial. Although a plea bargain does not guarantee a particular sentence, it can greatly reduce the severity of the sentence for the defendant, as well as the costs and time associated with a trial. In some cases, the plea bargain agreement may also require the defendant to complete certain conditions, such as community service or mental health counseling, as part of the sentence.

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