Charge Bargaining

Plea bargains resolve about 90–95% of U.S. criminal cases without trial. They involve defense and prosecutors negotiating reduced charges, fewer counts, or sentencing recommendations in exchange for a guilty plea, subject to court approval. This article explains how plea bargaining works, key stages, and what defendants should consider before accepting a deal. The plea bargain […]

A plea bargain resolves most criminal cases—often around 90% or more—by having the defendant plead guilty (or no contest) in exchange for reduced charges or a lighter sentence. It can provide faster, more predictable outcomes, but may also pressure defendants to waive trial rights and accept consequences they might otherwise challenge. This article explains how […]