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Why can plea bargains help public defenders handle large caseloads?

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Salem witch trial — Plea bargaining A scene of the trials in Salem Village, Massachusetts Bay Colony, hand-colored engraving.

Plea bargaining helps public defenders manage large caseloads by allowing them to increase their efficiency and dispose of cases more quickly. Because public defenders are often responsible for handling a high volume of cases, they can invest significantly less time in matters that are resolved through a plea bargain compared to those that proceed to a full trial.1

By negotiating agreements, attorneys can avoid the time-consuming and labor-intensive nature of trials. This efficiency is essential for public defenders to maintain their heavy workloads, as it allows them to resolve cases without the extensive preparation and courtroom time required for a trial. Through these negotiations, defense attorneys can also achieve charge reductions for their clients, particularly when prosecutors issue charges that are arguably unmerited.1