They are two entirely different terms that mean different things. A 'settlement' can refer to the agreed upon outcome of a particular case (i.e.: 'A' sues 'B' for $10,000 dollars. 'B' counters with an offer of $5,000. But, they "settle" on $8,000.) A plea bargain is when 'A' is charged with Burglary but the prosecutor offers 'A' a deal. If 'A' pleads guilty to "Unlawful Entry" and "Destruction of Property" he will attempt to influence the judge towards a more lenient sentence. 'A' accepts the plea bargain and pleads guilty to the reduced charges.
Pleas bargains are generally offered by the District Attorney's office.
Plea bargaining occurs in criminal cases.
A plea bargain is a 'deal' made between the prosecutor and the defendant. Judges have nothing to do with plea bargains - as a matter of fact judges don't even have to abide by them.
No. AND - plea bargains are not guaranteed! The prosecutopr is offering you something in exhange for information or help you're going to give him. I have seen judge's throw out plea bargain agreements because they believed the defendant was getting off too easy.
You (or your attorney-which I would highly recommend) offer to enter into a plea bargain with the prosecutor. It usually works that if you offer the prosecutor a guilty plea to a lesser offense, and without going to trial, -or- offer the prosecutor and law enforcemnent information that they may be interested in knowing - you MAY get the offer of a plea to a lesser offense. WARNING: Plea Bargains are not set in stone, it is a deal between only you and the prosecutor. I have seen plea bargains fall apart when the judge, seeing the seriousness of your originally charged offense, sees the lesser plea, and refuses to honor it.
Plea bargains for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon often involve negotiations between the defendant and the prosecution to reduce the charges or recommend a lighter sentence in exchange for a guilty plea. This can help alleviate the court's caseload and provide a degree of certainty for both parties. Factors influencing plea agreements may include the severity of the offense, the defendant's criminal history, and the presence of mitigating circumstances. Ultimately, the final decision rests with the judge, who must approve the plea deal.
From the prosecution's point of view, plea bargains are sometimes offered to obtain testimony from the accused that could lead to a conviction in another, presumably higher-profile, case. For example, a hit man could plea bargain and have his own sentence reduced from murder to manslaughter if he agrees to testify against the crime boss who hired him. The prosecution may also offer a plea bargain to reduce court time or to show mercy to an accused. The defense is interested in plea bargains to eliminate or reduce the risk of a severe sentence following a potential conviction.
Usually only one - take it or leave it - unless you really have something to bargain with.
It could be. Reduced charges and plea bargains are at the prosecutors discretion and the judges acceptance.
A federal judge can refuse a plea bargain if it does not meet legal requirements, if it is not in the best interest of justice or if the terms of the agreement are not fair or just. Judges have discretion to accept or reject plea bargains based on these factors.
Not exactly a true statement AND the term "relatively few" is open to debate.
Settlement.