Does a judge have to approve all plea bargains?

kitty

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Someone was indicted for a federal felony. On Monday of this week the defense attorney and US attorney reached a plea deal. But person hasn't gotten anything in writing yet and is wondering what is the hold up. Does a judge have to approve pleas? They did not even get to the arraignment. The person made it to the initial appearance and the deal was struck the initial appearance. If the US Attorney on a case agrees to something, can his or her supervisors step in and tell them "this is not going to work" or anything like that? If the deal was agreed upon on Monday, when should they expect something to sign agreeing? What is the hold up? Someone looking the plea over and about to say it can't happen?
 
The judge might determine the duration of the sentence based on the plea bargain but I think the judge has no choice on whether to accept the plea bargain or not.
 
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