What is a plea bargain?

A plea bargain is a negotiated agreement between a defendant and a prosecutor, which typically involves the defendant agreeing to plead guilty to a lesser charge, or to receive a reduced sentence, in exchange for waiving the right to a trial. This process helps to expedite the judicial process by resolving cases without the need for a lengthy trial, allowing courts to manage their caseloads more effectively. Additionally, it can provide defendants with more predictable outcomes compared to risking the possibility of a harsher sentence if convicted at trial.

While the other options relate to various aspects of the legal process, they do not encapsulate the definition of a plea bargain. The advisement of rights before custodial interrogation refers to the requirements of the Miranda warning, while determining probable cause is related to whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed with charges. Court-ordered supervision in lieu of prison refers to alternative sentencing, not the negotiation involved in a plea bargain.