When the prosecutor has a strong case with many witnesses who are willing to testify against the defendant, the Government may offer the defendant a “plea agreement” to avoid trial and give the defendant the option of admitting his guilt.

A defendant may only plead guilty if he/she actually committed the crime and admits to doing so in open court before the judge. When the defendant admits to the crime, he/she also agrees to be found guilty and punished or “sentenced” by the “judge” presiding over the court—the only person authorized to impose a sentence.