Can I "settle" the charges against me?

A "settlement" is an agreement made by parties in a civil (non-criminal) case, like a personal injury lawsuit. In a criminal case, a prosecutor may offer a deal called a "plea bargain." But she isn't required to do so, nor can a defendant demand it.

A plea bargain can be offered by the prosecutor and may include:

    * A reduction in the seriousness of the charge
    * An agreement to reduce the number of charges filed in return for a guilty plea or cooperation with other cases
    * A recommendation to the judge that you receive a lighter sentence than the one you could get if convicted after a trial

Tags: settlement agreement parties civil injury lawsuit reduction charge prosecutor