Legal Definitions - cop a plea

The phrase "cop a plea" is an informal way to describe a common legal process where a person accused of a crime agrees to plead guilty to a less serious charge. This agreement is made with the prosecutor to avoid the uncertainties, costs, and potentially harsher penalties that could result from going to trial for a more serious offense. It is essentially the defendant entering into a "plea bargain" with the prosecution.

Here are some examples to illustrate this concept:

• Example 1: Mr. Henderson is charged with felony drug manufacturing, which carries a potential sentence of many years in prison. After his attorney reviews the evidence, the prosecutor offers Mr. Henderson the opportunity to plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge of possession of drug paraphernalia. By accepting this offer, Mr. Henderson is "copping a plea."

  Explanation: Mr. Henderson agrees to admit guilt to a much less serious offense (misdemeanor possession) to avoid the significant risk and severe penalties associated with a felony drug manufacturing conviction if he were to proceed to trial.

• Example 2: Ms. Rodriguez is accused of felony aggravated assault after a bar fight, facing a lengthy prison sentence if convicted at trial. Her attorney negotiates with the prosecutor, who agrees to allow Ms. Rodriguez to plead guilty to a misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct. In this scenario, Ms. Rodriguez is "copping a plea."

  Explanation: Ms. Rodriguez chooses to admit guilt to a minor public disturbance offense, thereby avoiding the uncertainty and potential harsh consequences of a felony assault trial, which could result in a much more severe sentence.

• Example 3: A young adult, Mr. Chen, is arrested for felony grand larceny after stealing a high-value item, which could result in a significant prison term. The prosecutor offers him a deal: plead guilty to misdemeanor shoplifting, serve probation, and pay restitution. Mr. Chen decides to accept this offer and "cop a plea."

  Explanation: Mr. Chen is accepting a conviction for a less serious theft charge (misdemeanor shoplifting) to avoid the risk of a felony conviction and a potentially much longer sentence if he were to go to trial for grand larceny.