What is the primary purpose of a plea bargain in the Georgia criminal justice system?

The primary purpose of a plea bargain in the Georgia criminal justice system is to reach an agreement to resolve a case more efficiently than going through a full trial. This process allows the defendant to plead guilty to a lesser charge or to receive a reduced sentence in exchange for not contesting the charges. It serves multiple functions within the criminal justice system, such as relieving the court's caseload, providing a quicker resolution for the defendant and the prosecution, and ensuring that victims can avoid the stress and uncertainty of a trial.

Plea bargains are advantageous as they encourage defendants to take responsibility for their actions, which can lead to quicker outcomes and often result in less harsh penalties compared to going to trial. This mechanism creates a more streamlined process that benefits all parties involved by allowing for negotiated outcomes that might not be achievable in a trial setting.