University of PhoenixCJA 224Plea Bargaining Paper_Week 3

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Plea Bargaining What is plea bargaining? Some may think it is an option only given under special circumstances or it is a simple concept, but there is more to it than many may think. There are diff... erent types of bargaining such as charge and sentencing bargaining. While many may believe plea bargaining only has a positive side, it can have a negative side to it as well. Plea bargaining deters crime control models but follows due process models as well. Despite what is seen on television or movies, many criminal cases end with plea bargains instead of going to trial. It has been said up to ninety percent of criminal cases end in a plea bargain rather than going to trial (Siegel, Schmalleger, & Worrall, 2011). A plea bargain is an agreement between the defendant and the prosecutor where the defendant agrees to plead guilty to some or all charges against them. In return the prosecutors typically agree to reduce a defendant’s sentence or punishment. In some cases, a defendant may testify against another defendant and receive a favorable plea bargain. A plea bargain can also help a defendant by pleading guilty to one or more charges that carry a lighter sentence rather than pleading guilty to a higher charge that can carry a harsher sentence. For a court to approve a plea bargain the judge must speak with the defendant in person to ensure the plea was not forced upon them or made with promises that cannot be kept [Show More]

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