What is an Alford Plea?

When the defendant pleas guilty while maintaining their innocence.  The Alford plea is sometimes used in plea bargaining, as it allows the defendant to enter a plea recognizing that the prosecution’s evidence would likely result in a conviction, while maintaining they did not commit the crime.  Further, this allows the accused to accept a plea bargain for a lesser sentence and/or lower charges than they would receive if convicted at trial.