What is a "plea bargain"?

A plea bargain is an agreement between a defendant and a prosecutor in which the defendant agrees to plead guilty to a lesser charge or to receive a lighter sentence in exchange for waiving the right to a trial. This process can help to expedite the legal process, reduce the court's caseload, and often provide the defendant with a degree of certainty regarding the outcome of their case. By accepting a plea bargain, defendants may avoid the risks associated with a trial, such as being convicted of more serious charges that carry harsher penalties.

The other choices don't accurately capture the essence of a plea bargain. A type of defense used in court refers to the strategies employed by a defendant to counter charges, which is distinct from negotiation with the prosecutor. A form of evidence presented in trial relates to the materials and testimonies introduced to support a case, which does not include agreements like plea bargains. Lastly, a sentencing alternative to probation pertains to options available after a conviction, rather than the negotiation phase prior to a trial outcome.