expression

plea bargain

agreeing to plead guilty in exchange for a lesser charge

In more detail

an agreement in which a person charged with a crime agrees to plead guilty to a lesser crime in exchange for a more lenient sentence or the dropping of more serious charges

Examples

The defendant accepted a plea bargain and pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor instead of facing trial for a felony.

How to use plea bargain

A plea bargain is a legal arrangement common in criminal justice systems, particularly in the United States. It allows defendants to avoid trial risk by accepting guilt for a lesser charge in exchange for reduced sentencing. The term is used in formal legal contexts and journalism discussing criminal cases.

Common phrases

reach a plea bargain
accept a plea bargain
reject a plea bargain
strike a plea bargain
plea bargain agreement

Synonyms

plea agreement · guilty plea deal · bargained plea · negotiated settlement

Word family

plea · bargain · plea-bargain (verb)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use 'plea bargain' as if it automatically results in freedom or no punishment, when in fact it still involves a guilty plea and sentence, though typically more lenient than conviction on the original charges would bring.

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