Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
cop-a-plea
verb
/kɒp ə pliː/
Definition
A legal term referring to an agreement between a defendant and a prosecutor, where the defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lighter sentence or the dropping of other charges.
Examples
- After much consideration, the defendant decided to cop a plea to avoid facing a harsher sentence.
- In many cases, defendants choose to cop a plea to save time and reduce their legal costs.
Meaning
To cop a plea means to admit guilt to a lesser offense rather than risk going to trial for a more serious charge.
Synonyms
- plead bargain
- plea deal
- negotiated plea
