Legal Definitions - cop a plea

Definition: To “cop a plea” is when a person accused of a crime agrees to plead guilty to a lesser offensein order to avoid being tried for a more serious offense. This is usually done through a plea bargain with the prosecutor.

Example: John was accused of stealing a car, but he knew he would have a hard time proving his innocence in court. So, he decided to cop a plea and plead guilty to a lesser charge of joyriding. This way, he avoided a trial and a potentially harsher sentence.

Explanation: In this example, John is facing a serious charge of car theft, but he knows he doesn't have a strong defense. So, he decides to cop a plea and plead guilty to a lesser charge of joyriding. By doing this, he avoids the risk of being found guilty of the more serious charge and receiving a harsher sentence. This is a common strategy used by defendants who want to minimize their legal risks.