Denver, CO criminal defense attorney David Lindsey talks how plea bargains work in CO. He notes that a plea bargain, also referred to as a disposition of the case, is the method by which the majority of criminal cases are resolved. In federal court, approximately 92 percent of cases are settled this way, and while the percentage is slightly lower in state court, it remains very high.

In a plea bargain, the prosecution and the defendant reach an agreement on an appropriate resolution. This may involve reduced charges or sentencing concessions, such as probation in place of a jail sentence. In some instances, it may even result in a deferred judgment, where the defendant pleads guilty and is placed on probation for a set period. If the probation is successfully completed, the case is dismissed. Under Colorado law, in certain circumstances, such cases may also be eligible for sealing, offering additional protections to the defendant.