What is a plea bargain?

A plea bargain is an agreement between a criminal defendant and the prosecution in which the defendant agrees to plead guilty in exchange for a reduced sentence, an approval of a certain kind of sentence or a dismissal of certain charges. In Mississippi, plea bargains can be arranged in court by the defendant’s lawyer or with the help of the prosecution. The main purpose of a plea bargain is to avoid a costly, time consuming and unpredictable trial. When a plea bargain is offered, the defendant must make a decision that will affect the rest of their life. A plea bargain may involve reduced charges, a lesser sentence, or an agreement to plead no contest. A plea bargain is usually in the defendant’s best interest, as they are able to avoid a potentially harsher sentence and the uncertainty of a trial. It is important for defendants to remember that even though a plea bargain may appear beneficial, they are still pleading guilty to the crime and will likely still receive some sort of punishment. If a defendant is considering a plea bargain, it is important that they understand the details of the agreement, as well as their rights. The defense attorney will be able to explain all the details of the plea bargain and advise the defendant on whether or not to accept it.

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