About Plea Bargains - How and Why

Plea bargains are used by the office of the District Attorney to help manage case load and to ensure that justice is carried out, even in cases where the strength of the evidence may not be strong enough for a jury trial. Basically, these agreements between prosecution and defense are having the accused admit guilt and receive a sentence. Ideally, the outcome is a sentence that ensures the offender pays their debt to society.
It is important that plea bargains are balanced with jury trials to ensure that appropriate sentencing agreements are made. If they are out of balance, plea bargains usually end up benefiting the defendant, rather than society.