What is the purpose of a "plea bargain"?

A plea bargain serves the purpose of allowing a defendant to resolve their case without undergoing a full trial, which can be time-consuming and costly for both the court and the parties involved. By engaging in a plea bargain, the defendant may agree to plead guilty to a lesser charge or to one of several charges in exchange for a more lenient sentence, reduced penalties, or the dropping of other charges. This negotiation process can benefit all parties, as it conserves judicial resources and provides the defendant with the chance to obtain a more favorable outcome than they might receive if found guilty at trial.

The avoidance of a trial not only reduces the burden on the court system but also allows the defendant to achieve a degree of certainty and potentially mitigate the consequences of their actions. Thus, the essence of a plea bargain lies in its ability to streamline legal proceedings while also offering a more practical resolution for clients and the judicial system alike.