What is a plea deal?

A plea deal is an agreement between a prosecuting attorney and a defendant in a criminal case. In a plea deal, the defendant agrees to plead guilty or no contest to a criminal charge in exchange for some form of leniency from the prosecution. This could include avoiding trial altogether, pleading to a lesser charge, or agreeing to a more lenient sentence than if the case proceeded to trial. In the state of California, plea deals are negotiated within the structure of criminal law. A plea deal must be in compliance with all applicable laws and can only be reached with the consent of both parties. When a plea agreement is accepted, the defendant formally enters a plea of guilt or no contest in court. This plea is binding and cannot be withdrawn once it is accepted by the court. In California, plea deals are an important element of the criminal justice system and can be an effective tool for resolving criminal cases quickly and efficiently. They can also be beneficial for both parties involved, as they can result in more lenient sentences and reduced penalties for the defendant, as well as less time and fewer resources being expended by the prosecuting attorney.

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