What is plea bargaining?

Answer by  DouglasEarlClore (1236)

When the prosecutor accepts a plea of guilty or no-contest to a lesser offense in return for avoiding a trial, or in return for testimony against another individual.

Answer by  Srfingfreak (697)

Plea bargaining is a strategy pursued often by the defendant in a legal case. The defendant agrees to plea guilty or no contest to certain accusations in exchange for leniency on the prosecution's part. Plea bargaining exists to lessen the load on the courts, and to not waste time.

Answer by  jmansfie (282)

In cases where there's a high chance they'll be found guilty, defendants seek plea bargains where they'll receive a better sentencing since the court foregoes trial costs.

Answer by  Samantha57 (391)

A "plea bargain" occurs when an accused criminal agrees to plead guilty to an offense that is less severe than the crime with which he or she has been charged.