How does a plea bargain benefit a defendant?

A plea bargain is an arrangement between the defendant and the prosecution where the defendant agrees to plead guilty to a lesser charge or to one of multiple charges in exchange for concessions from the prosecution. One of the primary benefits of this is the negotiation of a reduced sentence. This not only helps to reduce potential penalties but also provides the defendant with a degree of predictability concerning the outcome of the case, as they can avoid the uncertainty of a trial.

In a trial, the defendant risks the possibility of facing a harsher sentence if found guilty. However, by opting for a plea bargain, they can secure a lesser sentence and potentially avoid the stress of going through a lengthy trial process. It also conserves judicial resources by resolving cases more quickly, which is beneficial for the court system overall. This strategic approach is often used by defendants looking to mitigate the consequences of their actions while still accepting responsibility.