What is a plea bargain, and can I enter one?

In criminal law, plea bargains are agreements between prosecutors and defendants. Usually, the prosecutor approaches the defendant and tells him or her that he or she will receive a lesser punishment if he or she pleads guilty to a lesser crime.

Whether an individual can enter a plea bargain depends on the prosecutor. If the prosecutor gives the defendant the option to enter a plea bargain, then the defendant can either accept or decline the offer. If the offer is not extended, then the defendant cannot enter a plea bargain.

If you have questions about plea bargains and other aspects of criminal law, contact the Champaign criminal defense lawyers of Thomas A. Bruno & Associates at 217-328-6000.