The process in which a defendant pleads guilty to a lesser offense to avoid trial for a more serious offense is called what?

• A. Plea Bargain
• B. Indictment
• C. Grand Jury
• D. Double Jeopardy

Answer: (A)

A plea bargain is a negotiated agreement in a criminal case where the defendant agrees to plead guilty to a lesser offense or a modified charge in exchange for the prosecutor dropping or not pursuing more serious charges, often along with a lighter sentence. This setup reduces the risk and cost of a trial for both sides and can bring quicker resolution to the case. The judge must confirm that the plea is voluntary and that the defendant understands the consequences, and there is typically a factual basis for the plea.

Indictment, grand jury, and double jeopardy refer to other aspects of criminal procedure. An indictment is the formal charging document; a grand jury is the group that decides whether there is probable cause to bring charges; and double jeopardy protects against being tried twice for the same offense.