PLEA BARGAIN

plea bargain, n. A negotiated agreement between a prosecutor and a criminal defendant whereby the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser offense or to one of multiple charges in exchange for some concession by the prosecutor, usu. a more lenient sentence or a dismissal of the other charges. — Also termed plea agreement; negotiated plea; sentence bargain. [Cases: Criminal Law  273.1(2). C.J.S. Criminal Law §§ 365–374.] — plea-bargain, vb. — plea-bargaining,n.

charge bargain. A plea bargain in which a prosecutor agrees to drop some of the counts or reduce the charge to a less serious offense in exchange for a plea of either guilty or no contest from the defendant.

sentence bargain. A plea bargain in which a prosecutor agrees to recommend a lighter sentence in exchange for a plea of either guilty or no contest from the defendant.

[Blacks Law 8th]