Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense plea bargains, present participle plea bargaining, past tense, past participle plea bargained
1. countable noun
In some legal systems, a plea bargain is an agreement that, if an accused person says they are guilty, they will be charged with a less serious crime or will receive a less severe punishment.
A plea bargain was offered by the state assuring her that she would not go to prison.
2. verb
If an accused person plea bargains, they accept a plea bargain.
More and more criminals will agree to plea-bargain. [VERB]
plea bargaininguncountable noun
...the introduction of a system of plea bargaining.
plea-bargain in British English
(ˌpliːˈbɑːɡən)
verb(intransitive)
law
to make an agreement between the prosecution and defence, sometimes including the judge, in which the accused agrees to plead guilty to a lesser charge in return for more serious charges being dropped
plea bargain in American English
an agreement arrived at by plea bargaining
plea-bargain in American English
(ˈpliˌbɑrgən)
verb intransitive
to engage in plea bargaining
Examples of 'plea-bargain' in a sentence
plea-bargain
But he may accept a plea bargain on Tuesday, which would mean a lighter sentence.
The Sun (2016)
But he may accept a plea bargain on Tuesday, which would mean a lighter sentence.
The Sun (2016)
This is essentially a plea bargain whereby they accept guilt and are offered a punishment.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
He accepted a plea bargain to name others in the conspiracy.
The Sun (2015)
As part of a plea bargain he agreed not to ride in Britain for at least a year.
The Sun (2014)
Her legal team were expected to agree to a plea bargain but the judge insisted that any such deal would result in a custodial sentence.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
`The `pirates" are getting a plea-bargain ," the clerk told him.