What is the process for plea bargaining a violent crime case?

Plea bargaining is an agreement between the accused and the prosecutor in the case of a violent crime in California. This agreement results in a plea of guilty or no contest to a lesser offense (or to some of the charges). The process involves the prosecutor, the defense attorney, and the judge. The first step of the plea bargaining process is for the accused to decide whether or not they are willing to accept a plea agreement. Afterward, the prosecutor and defense attorney must negotiate on the details of the plea agreement. These details include the type of plea (guilty or no contest), the charges that are applicable, and the sentence that the accused will receive. If an agreement is reached, the judge will make the final decision. The purpose of plea bargaining is to avoid a trial and to allow the accused to avoid a harsher sentence. It also allows the prosecutor to resolve cases more quickly and with less expense. The accused usually receives a lighter sentence than they would have if they had gone to trial and been convicted. The process of plea bargaining a violent crime case in California is complex, and a competent criminal defense attorney should be consulted to ensure that the accused understands his or her rights and options. The plea bargain process can often lead to a more favorable outcome for the accused and the prosecution.

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