One of the main reasons why a defendant agrees to a plea bargain is when the prosecution has a strong case that would most likely result in a guilty verdict. Instead of going through the trial process, the defendant can plead guilty to the crime in exchange for a more lenient sentence. Another reason is when the risk is too great to go into trial — a death sentence, for instance. In cases such as those, according to A&E, a defendant can choose to take a plea bargain of life in prison instead of being put to death. Plea bargains are highly common in different types of cases, as it is beneficial to both the defendant and the prosecution.

After a plea bargain is reached between the two parties, the agreement will be presented at a hearing in front of a judge, who will then decide to accept, reject, or modify the deal. If the judge agrees to the deal, the next step is the sentencing hearing for the defendant, as reported by Justia.