plead down
In legal contexts, 'pleading down' is a strategic move often used to reduce the severity of charges or penalties through negotiation.
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Definition
C1Legal Proceedings
(technical)To admit guilt to a lesser charge, usually in exchange for a reduced sentence or penalty.
Example
- The defendant decided to plead down to a misdemeanor to avoid a lengthy trial.
- By pleading down, she received a lighter sentence than she might have for the original charge.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "plead down":
plead outplea bargainingplead upargue downback downnolle prosequi