What does the term "plea bargain" mean?

The term "plea bargain" specifically refers to an agreement made between a defendant and a prosecutor in which the defendant agrees to plead guilty to a lesser charge or to receive a more lenient sentence in exchange for cooperation or to expedite the legal process. This is a common practice in the criminal justice system that helps manage caseloads and can provide defendants with a reduced punishment compared to what they might face if convicted of a more serious charge at trial.

The other options present scenarios that do not accurately encompass the definition of a plea bargain. For instance, agreeing to plead not guilty does not involve any negotiation and therefore does not fit the concept of a plea bargain. Negotiating for a trial date does not involve a guilty plea or an agreement regarding charges, so it is also not relevant. Lastly, an arrangement for probation instead of jail may occur after a conviction or as part of a sentence negotiation, but it does not reflect the cornerstone of plea bargaining, which is primarily about pleading guilty to a charge.