Why defendants plead guilty to crimes they didn’t commit

​Why defendants plead guilty to crimes they didn’t commit

Open Ended

In any given year, 98% of criminal cases in the federal courts end with a plea bargain according to a new report from the American Bar Association. (NPR, February 22, 2023)

Defendants more often than in the past accept deals to avoid risking more serious charges and penalties at a trial, even if they didn't commit the crime.

Why do you think this is the case?

Open Ended

What is the danger in taking a plea bargain in order to avoid having your case going to trial?