What is a potential outcome of a plea bargain?

A plea bargain is a negotiated agreement between the defendant and the prosecution in a criminal case. One of the primary outcomes of a plea bargain is often a reduced charge or a lighter sentence compared to what the defendant might face if they went to trial and were found guilty. This arrangement benefits both parties: the defendant may receive leniency in their punishment, while the prosecution saves time and resources by avoiding a lengthy trial.

In a plea bargain, the defendant typically agrees to plead guilty or no contest to a lesser offense or one of the charges in exchange for some concessions from the prosecution, such as a lighter sentence or the dropping of other charges. This process is crucial in the criminal justice system for managing caseloads and expediting the legal process.

Other potential outcomes mentioned, such as a trial with a jury or a public hearing, do not align with the nature of a plea bargain, as these options generally involve a more formal court process rather than a negotiated agreement between parties. Confessing to a greater charge is also not indicative of the intended outcome of a plea bargain, which aims to mitigate the defendant's circumstances rather than worsen them.