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Simple English definitions for legal terms
cop a plea
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A quick definition of cop a plea:
Term: Cop a plea
Definition: When someone is accused of a crime, they might agree to plead guilty to a smaller crime instead of going to trial for a bigger crime. This is called "copping a plea." It's like making a deal with the prosecutor.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: To “cop a plea” is when a person accused of a crime agrees to plead guilty to a lesser offense in order to avoid being tried for a more serious offense. This is usually done through a plea bargain with the prosecutor.
Example: John was accused of stealing a car, but he knew he would have a hard time proving his innocence in court. So, he decided to cop a plea and plead guilty to a lesser charge of joyriding. This way, he avoided a trial and a potentially harsher sentence.
Explanation: In this example, John is facing a serious charge of car theft, but he knows he doesn't have a strong defense. So, he decides to cop a plea and plead guilty to a lesser charge of joyriding. By doing this, he avoids the risk of being found guilty of the more serious charge and receiving a harsher sentence. This is a common strategy used by defendants who want to minimize their legal risks.