84. plea deal (or plea bargain or agreement)

What is a Plea Deal (Plea Bargain or Agreement)?

A plea deal (also known as a plea bargain or plea agreement) is a legal arrangement between a defendant and the prosecution in which the defendant agrees to plead guilty (or no contest) in exchange for certain benefits, such as a lighter sentence or reduced charges.

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Types of Plea Deals

✔ Charge Bargaining: The defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge than originally filed. ✔ Sentence Bargaining: The defendant pleads guilty in exchange for a lighter sentence. ✔ Fact Bargaining: The defendant agrees to certain facts to avoid harsher charges.

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Examples of Plea Deals in Action

• A defendant charged with felony assault agrees to plead guilty to a misdemeanor in exchange for avoiding a lengthy prison sentence.

• A white-collar crime suspect negotiates a plea deal to cooperate with investigators in exchange for reduced charges.

• A DUI suspect accepts a plea bargain to avoid license suspension in return for completing a rehabilitation program.

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5 Reference Pages for Plea Deal with URLs

1. Legal Information Institute – Plea Bargain

   • URL: https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/plea_bargain

   • Explanation: Defines plea bargains and explains their role in the criminal justice system.

2. FindLaw – Plea Bargaining: How It Works

   • URL: https://www.findlaw.com/criminal/criminal-procedure/plea-bargaining.html

   • Explanation: Discusses the different types of plea bargains and their legal consequences.

3. Justia – Plea Bargaining Process

   • URL: https://www.justia.com/criminal/plea-bargains/

   • Explanation: Provides a step-by-step guide on how plea agreements are negotiated and accepted.

4. United States Courts – Plea Agreements

   • URL: https://www.uscourts.gov/services-forms/plea-agreements

   • Explanation: Explores the role of plea deals in federal cases and their impact on sentencing.

5. Wikipedia – Plea Bargain

   • URL: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plea_bargain

   • Explanation: Provides a historical and international perspective on plea bargaining in different legal systems.

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These references provide in-depth insights into plea deals, their benefits, risks, and legal implications. 🚀