A settlement in a court case basically means that the two opposing sides have reached an agreement. It can often result in lower costs for the parties that are involved. That's because when a case goes to trial, money must be continually spent on attorney's fees, court costs and expert witness testimony. During the litigation process, one of the opposing sides will make an offer in regards to settling. The other side has the options to refuse the offer, counter the offer or accept it. Settlements can be part of a court order, meaning that if that settlement is breached by one of the parties then the breaching party can be held in contempt of court and further action can be taken. During the criminal process, a settlement is often referred to as a plea-bargain. This means that the person accused of a crime is often offered the chance to plead guilty to a lesser crime that results in a lighter sentencing arrangement. This means that the person does not have to go through the expense and risk of a trial and instead is convicted of a lesser charge.