What is a potential disadvantage of plea bargains?

a) speed relative to trials
b) cost relative to trials
c) giving too much power to prosecutors
d) more negative publicity for defendants

The primary potential disadvantage of plea bargain is 'more negative publicity for defendants'.

Option d.

Explanation:

The main drawback of plea bargaining is that innocent persons can indeed be punished. To counter this issue, in 1982, in order to limit the number of plea deals, in California voters decided to initiate amendment 8, so that innocent individuals did not feel obliged to take part in the trial.

An innocent person can accept a plea deal to decrease his or her loss. This means they're going to have a criminal record. Serving time in prison could be requested. Fines or refunds may be payable.