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cop a plea

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cop a plea

Fig. to plead guilty to a lesser charge to avoid a more serious charge or lessen time of imprisonment. He copped a plea and got off with only two months in the slammer.

See also: cop

cop a plea

  (American informal)

to admit that you are guilty of a crime in order to try to get a less severe punishment The police hoped the men would cop a plea and testify against the ringleaders in return for reduced sentences.

See also: cop

cop a plea

1. Plead guilty or confess to a crime in exchange for a lighter sentence; also, plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for not being tried for a more serious charge. For example, Arnold decided he was better off copping a plea than facing a jury. [Colloquial; 1920s]

2. Plead for mercy; make excuses. For example, He copped a plea about not knowing his way around. [Slang; c. 1940]

See also: cop

cop a plea

tv. to plead guilty to a lesser charge. Rocko copped a plea and got off with a week in the slammer.

See also: cop

cop a plea

To plead guilty to a lesser charge so as to avoid standing trial for a more serious charge.

See also: cop