A defendant may be prosecuted for all offenses arising out of what circumstance?

The correct answer highlights that a defendant may be prosecuted for all offenses that arise from a single criminal episode. This concept is grounded in the legal principle known as "joinder," which allows multiple charges stemming from the same incident or series of related events to be tried together. This approach promotes judicial efficiency by preventing the unnecessary repetition of trials for offenses that are contextually linked. By addressing related offenses in one proceeding, the court can consider the complete narrative of the defendant's actions, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of the case.

In contrast, prior offenses, plea agreements, and separate civil actions do not encompass the same legal framework for prosecuting related crimes. Prior offenses may impact sentencing or influence a defendant's criminal history, but they do not create a basis for prosecution of multiple offenses arising from a single incident. Plea agreements are negotiations between the prosecution and defense to settle a case without trial, focusing on resolving specific charges rather than all potential offenses. Separate civil actions are distinct legal proceedings focused on non-criminal matters, which also do not allow for the consolidation of criminal charges stemming from the same episode.