What is one outcome of a defendant agreeing to a plea bargain?

When a defendant agrees to a plea bargain, one significant outcome is often a reduced sentence. This process involves the defendant pleading guilty to a lesser charge or receiving a lighter sentence in exchange for cooperating with the prosecution. By opting for a plea bargain, the defendant may avoid the uncertainties of a trial, such as the risk of a longer sentence if found guilty, thus resulting in a more predictable outcome.

In many cases, plea bargains are beneficial not only for defendants, who may receive a lesser punishment, but also for the judicial system, which can alleviate the backlog of cases needing to go to trial. It serves the interests of both parties: the prosecution secures a conviction, while the defendant receives a more lenient sentence than they might have faced after a trial.