What outcome does a plea bargain usually result in for a defendant?

A plea bargain typically results in a more lenient sentence for a defendant, which is a common feature of this legal process. In a plea bargain, the defendant agrees to plead guilty to a lesser charge or to accept a lighter sentence in exchange for avoiding the uncertainty and potential harsher consequences of a trial. This arrangement benefits both the defendant, who might face a reduced sentence, and the prosecution, which can secure a conviction without the need for a lengthy trial.

In contrast, longer trial durations and a full jury trial are generally characteristics associated with cases that go to court, rather than those resolved through plea bargaining. Similarly, increased penalties are not typically associated with plea deals, as the goal is to negotiate a more favorable outcome for the defendant rather than to escalate their punishment. Thus, the essence of a plea bargain is indeed represented by the possibility of a more lenient sentence.