Plea bargaining lets an accused person agree to plead guilty to a lesser charge, or in exchange for a lighter sentence, instead of going through a full trial. It’s a practical tool to reduce backlog and give certainty to both sides.

For the accused, the benefits can be significant:

• Lower sentence than what might be imposed after a contested trial,
  
• Faster resolution, avoiding years of uncertainty,
  
• Lower legal costs and less emotional stress.
  

But there are risks too. Once you plead guilty, overturning that plea later is difficult. If you confess without understanding the consequences, or under pressure, you might lose chances of an acquittal you could have achieved at trial.

Courts therefore usually insist that:

• The plea is voluntary, not forced,
  
• The accused understands the nature of the accusation and possible punishment,
  
• There is some factual basis for the plea.
  

Plea bargaining is generally not meant for the most serious crimes, where public interest in full trial is high. For mid-level offences, especially where evidence is strong, it can be a realistic and sensible option – but only after good legal advice.