An Alford Plea is a legal term used in the United States, allowing a defendant to plead guilty while maintaining their innocence. This type of plea acknowledges that there is enough evidence for a conviction, but the defendant does not admit to committing the crime. It is often used to avoid the risks of going to trial, such as harsher sentences. By entering an Alford Plea, defendants can receive a plea deal, which may result in a lighter sentence or reduced charges. This plea is named after the case of North Carolina v. Alford, where the U.S. Supreme Court upheld its validity in 1970.