What is the difference between a plea bargain and a plea agreement?

The difference between a plea bargain and a plea agreement lies in the outcome of the proceedings. A plea bargain is an agreement between the prosecution and defense in which the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser offense in exchange for a lighter penalty. The prosecution has the ability to decide which charges to drop, or which charges to reduce. The defense can also negotiate a lighter penalty in exchange for the defendant’s plea. A plea agreement, on the other hand, is an agreement between the prosecution and the defense in which the defendant pleads guilty to a charge in exchange for a set penalty agreed upon by both parties. The defendant is still pleading guilty, but the punishment is more likely to be known before the plea is made. The prosecution usually doesn’t have the ability to drop or reduce charges, as they are likely to have already been negotiated before the plea is made. The defendant may also not be able to negotiate a lighter sentence as the agreement has already been set. In both cases, a plea is a way to shorten legal proceedings, avoid a trial and save money. Neither a plea bargain nor a plea agreement is legally binding until it is accepted by the court.

Related FAQs

What are the consequences for violating banking regulations?
How is wire fraud committed?
What are the defenses to criminal liability?
What are the federal sentencing guidelines for white collar crimes?
What is the difference between a plea bargain and a plea of nolo contendere?
What are white collar crimes of moral turpitude?
How can a person be charged with white collar crime?
What is the difference between a felony and a misdemeanor?
What is the difference between a civil and a criminal charge of fraud?
What are the penalties for foreclosure fraud?

What is the difference between a plea bargain and a plea agreement?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts