A "guilty plea" is a formal admission by a defendant in a criminal case that they committed the offense they are charged with. This plea is typically entered during a court hearing and can lead to a quicker resolution of the case, often resulting in a plea bargain. In a plea bargain, the defendant may agree to plead guilty in exchange for a lighter sentence or reduced charges. When a defendant enters a guilty plea, they waive their right to a trial, where evidence would be presented to determine their guilt or innocence. This process is part of the legal system, which includes various elements such as criminal law, defendants, and plea bargains.