Avoiding a trial can be accomplished in several ways. One way is to SETTLE the dispute out of court, which can be done through negotiation or mediation. Settling (6 letters) involves both parties coming to an agreement on how to resolve the issue without going to trial. Another way to avoid a trial is to SHUN (4 letters) the dispute altogether and not pursue any legal action. Finally, a third option is to plea bargain (11 letters), which is when a defendant pleads guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for a lighter sentence.