A plea deal is an agreement in a criminal case where the defendant agrees to plead guilty to a lesser charge or to receive a lighter sentence in exchange for avoiding a trial. This process helps to reduce the court's workload and can provide a quicker resolution for both the defendant and the prosecution. In a plea deal, the defendant may admit to certain facts or charges, while the prosecution may drop other charges or recommend a more lenient sentence. This arrangement is often beneficial for both parties, as it can save time, resources, and the uncertainty of a trial outcome.