Examples of plea bargaining

 

Examples of plea bargaining

Reduction of charges

In some cases, a defendant may decide to plead guilty to a charge that is less severe than the original accusation in order to receive a more lenient punishment. For instance, someone who has been charged with aggravated assault might choose to plead guilty to simple assault in exchange for a reduced sentence.

Dismissal of charges

A defendant may choose to plead guilty to a lesser offence or accept a reduced sentence in return for the dismissal of certain charges. For instance, someone accused of multiple counts of theft might plead guilty to only one count and have the remaining charges dismissed as part of a negotiated agreement for a shorter sentence.

Recommendation for a specific sentence

If the defendant pleads guilty, the prosecution has the discretion to suggest a specific sentence. For instance, in a case involving embezzlement charges, the defendant may opt to plead guilty and, as a result, be granted probation on the condition of making complete restitution.