Plead down Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To reach an agreement in a criminal case where the accused admits to a less serious charge in exchange for a lighter sentence or dropping more serious charges.
Usage & Nuances
'Plead down' is mainly used in legal/criminal contexts in the US and other common law countries. It's almost always about plea bargains arranged between defense and prosecution. Common collocations: 'plead down to a lesser charge.' Informal, but not slang. Usually used in the passive: 'The charges were pleaded down.'
Example Sentences
The suspect tried to plead down his charges.
basic
His lawyer managed to plead down the offense to a fine.
basic
He hopes to plead down to a lesser charge.
basic
They managed to plead down from a felony to a misdemeanor.
natural
Her attorney thinks they can plead down if she cooperates.
natural
The prosecutor agreed to plead down the charges after new evidence appeared.
natural