What does a plea bargain generally avoid?

A plea bargain is an agreement between the defendant and the prosecution where the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge or provides some concession in exchange for a more lenient sentence or the dropping of other charges. The primary function of a plea bargain is to expedite the judicial process and avoid the need for a lengthy trial.

By reaching a plea agreement, both parties can save substantial time and resources that would otherwise be invested in a trial. Trials often involve extensive legal procedures, jury selection, presentation of evidence, and potentially lengthy deliberations, which can prolong the legal process significantly. Therefore, the essence of a plea bargain is to resolve the case more quickly and efficiently, effectively circumventing the lengthy trial process that would occur if no plea agreement were in place.

While the other options touch on aspects related to the legal process, they do not encapsulate the primary purpose of a plea bargain as effectively as the avoidance of a lengthy trial. Guilty pleas, sentencing enhancements, and public trial exposure might be influenced or altered by plea bargains, but the key focus remains on the speed and efficiency gained through avoiding a full trial.