plead to

plead to (something)

To formally admit and declare that one is guilty of a particular crime. The defendant pleaded to manslaughter to avoid a murder conviction.
See also: plead
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

plead to something

to enter an admission of guilt to a specific crime. Max pleaded to the lesser charge of larceny. Lefty pleaded to the grand larceny charge.
See also: plead
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • plead to (something)
  • pleading
  • pled
  • plead
  • plead down to (something)
  • plead guilty (to something)
  • plead guilty to
  • plead not guilty (to something)
  • acquit
  • acquit of
References in classic literature
Their sweet little letters plead to know "more about Dorothy"; and they ask: "What became of the Cowardly Lion?" and "What did Ozma do afterward?"--meaning, of course, after she became the Ruler of Oz.
Ozma of Oz
“You have heard the presentment that the grand jury have made, Nathaniel Bumppo,” said the Judge; “what do you plead to the charge?”
Pioneers