What is a plea deal?

A plea deal is an agreement between a defendant (the person being charged with a crime) and the prosecution (the person or organization representing the government or the state) in a criminal court case. In a plea deal, the defendant agrees to plead guilty or no contest to a specific charge or charges in exchange for a lighter sentence than he or she would receive if found guilty at trial. The prosecutor may also reduce or drop other charges. A plea deal can help both parties avoid a prolonged trial and the potential of lengthy jail terms or costly fines. The primary benefit of a plea deal is that it allows a defendant to avoid the risk of a conviction at trial. It also gives prosecutors the opportunity to secure a conviction or lesser sentence than they might otherwise be able to get. Plea deals are common in criminal cases, but the terms and conditions of each agreement vary depending on the situation. Ultimately, the decision to accept a plea deal is up to the defendant, with advice from their attorney.

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