Defendants already are at a disadvantage. Many do not have the re$ources to pay the additional court cost$ for a trial by jury and lawyers who require large upfront fees.
Something else I personally seen. Cops sitting around chewing the fat with justices they've come before numerous times until the person they've charged arrives.
I'm also familiar with a guy who dated an assistant DA. Agreed he gave her some crap but let's just say this, after the breakup it didn't go well for him.
I seem to remember the reason mandatory minimum sentences evolved was that judges got out of control with length of sentences ect. Judges were using their discretion without logic or reason.The Legislature needed to take action to restrict what judges could do in regards to sentencing .
ReplyDeleteGood intentions I sure, but not if prosecutors abuse it by overcharging someone to get them plea to even charges they may be not guilty of. We watch "all Rise" on CBS. They did an episode where a prosecutor was filing ridiculous charges in order to get s many convictions as he could so he wouldn't even have to go to court except on sentencing day. Saves the DA's lots of money and time. Some may be overworked but not a great way to administer the proper justice. I'm sure it doesn't happen in the majority of cases but even a few doesn't make it right.
DeleteEveryone is entitled to their day in court but many can't afford it so end up never having a trial. And public defenders don't want to be there either. It cuts into their practice when they're required to show up for unwanted duty.
DeleteYears ago my estranged idiot kid ended up in trouble because he was riding in a car someone stole. While I was waiting in the hall the public defender didn't realize why I was there.I heard him talking to the arresting officer, "they should just lock the little shit up". Makes me wonder how poor people get the same kind of defense?
Correction:
DeleteMakes me wonder how MANY MORE poor people get the same kind of defense?