ASIS International (ASIS) Professional Certified Investigator Practice Exam

What does a plea deal refer to in legal proceedings?

1. A strategy for increasing charges

2. An agreement to plead guilty to a lesser charge

3. A framework for introducing new evidence

4. A request for a retrial

The correct answer is: An agreement to plead guilty to a lesser charge

A plea deal is an agreement between a defendant and a prosecutor in which the defendant agrees to plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for concessions, such as a reduced sentence or the dismissal of other charges. This practice is often utilized to expedite the legal process, reduce court congestion, and avoid the uncertainties of a trial. In this context, the plea deal serves several purposes: it allows the defendant to receive a potentially more lenient outcome, assists the prosecution by securing a conviction without the need for a trial, and helps the judicial system operate more efficiently. Such agreements are a fundamental aspect of the criminal justice system, balancing the interests of both defendants and the state. The other options do not accurately describe the nature of a plea deal. A strategy for increasing charges refers to prosecutorial tactics that do not involve plea negotiations, while a framework for introducing new evidence and a request for a retrial focus on different aspects of legal proceedings that are not related to plea bargaining.