What is a plea deal?

A plea deal is an agreement between a defendant (the person accused of a crime) and the prosecutor (the person who is responsible for bringing the criminal case to court) in a criminal case. The defendant agrees to plead guilty to one or more of the charges against them in exchange for a lesser sentence or a dismissal of some of the charges. The plea deal is mutually beneficial, as it saves the prosecution the time and resources of a lengthy trial, while the defendant avoids the uncertainty of being found guilty at trial and possibly receiving a harsher sentence. When deciding whether or not to accept a plea deal, a person must take into consideration the risks of going to trial. In Mississippi, the burden of proof in criminal cases rests on the prosecution to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant is guilty as charged. Defendants also have the right to an attorney and the right to remain silent. There is no guarantee of a successful outcome, so it is important to weigh the risks and benefits of a plea deal with legal counsel.

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