If a defendant charged with aggravated assault is accepted to plead to a lesser charge of simple assault, what is this an example of?

This scenario represents a charge bargain, as it illustrates the process where the defendant agrees to plead guilty to a lesser offense—simple assault—instead of facing the more severe charge of aggravated assault. In plea negotiations, this is a common practice where the defendant may receive a lighter sentence or significantly reduce the potential consequences associated with a more serious charge by accepting guilt for a lesser offense.

In a charge bargain, the focus is specifically on the reduction of the charge itself rather than the entire process of plea discussions or agreements. A plea agreement could encompass various terms beyond just the charge reduction, while a negotiated plea often refers to broader discussions regarding sentences or conditions of the plea. Verdict adjustment typically pertains to changes related to jury decisions or the final verdict post-trial, rather than the bargaining process prior to a trial.