Legal Definitions - charge bargain

A charge bargain is a type of plea bargain in which a prosecutor agrees to drop some of the charges or reduce the severity of the charges against a defendant in exchange for a guilty or no contest plea. This agreement is usually made to avoid a lengthy trial and to secure a conviction.

• Charge Bargain: A defendant is charged with three counts of burglary. The prosecutor offers a charge bargain, agreeing to drop two of the counts if the defendant pleads guilty to the remaining count.
• Sentence Bargain: A defendant is charged with a serious crime that carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison. The prosecutor offers a sentence bargain, agreeing to recommend a lighter sentence if the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser offense.

These examples illustrate how a charge bargain and a sentence bargain can be used to resolve criminal cases without going to trial. In both cases, the defendant agrees to plead guilty or no contest in exchange for a concession from the prosecutor. This can result in a shorter sentence or a less severe charge, which can be beneficial for both the defendant and the prosecutor.