guilty plea

In one sentence

A defendant's admission in court that they committed the crime(s) charged, typically resulting in conviction without trial.

Plain English

A guilty plea is a defendant's formal admission before a judge that they committed the crime they're accused of. By pleading guilty, the defendant waives the right to a trial and accepts criminal responsibility. Guilty pleas often result from plea bargains, where the defendant agrees to plead guilty in exchange for reduced charges or a lighter sentence. Before accepting a guilty plea, judges must ensure the defendant understands the consequences and is making the decision voluntarily.

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Example

A defendant charged with assault agrees to plead guilty in exchange for the prosecutor dropping a weapons charge and recommending a shorter sentence. The defendant appears before the judge, admits guilt, and receives sentencing based on the agreed terms.

Used in a sentence

“The defendant entered a guilty plea to three counts of theft and was sentenced to two years in prison.”

Related terms

defendant

The person accused of a crime in a criminal case or sued in a civil case.

Felony

A serious crime punishable by more than one year in prison or death.

Mistrial

A trial that is declared invalid and must be restarted.

Lesser Included Offense

A less serious crime that is necessarily part of proving a more serious charge.

Restitution Damages

Compensation that returns to you the value of a benefit the other party received from you.

Stand Your Ground

A law allowing a person to use force, including deadly force, to defend themselves without a duty to retreat.

Castle Doctrine

A law stating that a person's home is their castle and they can use force to defend it without duty to retreat.

Expungement

A legal process that erases or seals a criminal conviction from your record.

This page is a plain-English reference and is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change over time. For specific situations consult a licensed attorney.