criminal law A negotiation in which the defendant agrees to enter a plea of guilty to a lesser charge and the prosecutor agrees to drop a more serious charge:
— His admission was part of a plea bargain with the prosecutor.
— Plea bargaining helps to stop the courts becoming congested.

synonym: plea bargaining.

Roget 970: acquittal, acquitment^†; clearance, exculpation; acquittance, clearance, exoneration; discharge etc. (release) 750; quietus, absolution, compurgation^†, reprieve, respite; pardon etc. (forgiveness) 918.    [Exemption from punishment] impunity; diplomatic immunity; immunity; plea bargain, deal with the prosecutor.    [in civil suits] no cause for action; no damages.    ... show more