Legal Proceedings & Plea Bargains - Plea bargains are common, with approximately 95% of cases ending this way, avoiding lengthy and costly trials with uncertain outcomes [1] - Plea bargains ensure punishment, unlike jury trials where outcomes are not guaranteed [1] - Death penalty cases are very expensive, time-consuming, and subject to appeals that can last for years [2] - Prosecutors represent the state's interests, not individual victims or their families, and must act in the best interest of the state [3][4] - Prosecutors may offer leniency to defendants in exchange for cooperation, such as testimony against others [4][5] Case Specifics - Brian Cobberger's plea guarantees a life sentence [6] - The case involved victims' families who desired a full trial and a death penalty verdict [2] - In the Gary Ridgeway case, a plea deal allowed him to avoid the death penalty in exchange for admitting to 48 killings and providing information about his crimes [5]