Which statement defines plea?

• A. The accused pleads guilty to a lesser charge than the original charge.
• B. The accused is found not guilty after a trial.
• C. The charges are dismissed by the prosecutor.
• D. The accused pleads guilty to the original charge.

Answer: (A)

A plea is a defendant’s formal statement in court about the charges, typically admitting guilt or innocence. In practice, a guilty plea can occur to the original charge, but it can also occur to a lesser charge as part of a plea bargain. The statement that the accused pleads guilty to a lesser charge captures this negotiated form of pleading, showing that a guilty admission can apply to a reduced charge as the case is resolved. The other options describe outcomes (not guilty after a trial, charges dismissed) or a guilty plea to the original charge, which are different aspects of proceedings rather than the general notion of entering a plea.