Funny story but the public defender jumped at the chance to "go out back and fight". And the judge got first sanctioned then lost his job.
And I rather doubt the 85 percent is dominated by innocent people accused of first degree murder pleading it down to 1-5.
Re:Abolish the Cash Bail System
by x86_64Ubuntu on Monday October 12, 2020 @01:55AM
(#24751774)
I was being kind of sarcastic with the 1-5 -> 20+, but the point still stands, you can look at being home to see your child finish high school, or be a grandfather to a teenager when you are released.
Re:Abolish the Cash Bail System
by throwaway17_17 on Monday October 12, 2020 @05:22AM
(#24752719)
I assumed your remark was serious and in my experience that is an accurate statement of how prosecutors work. In my jurisdiction until July of 2018, three burglary’s or three selling marijuana convictions could in fact result in a manditory life sentence and people will certainly take the 5 year sentence as opposed to risking the 20 years or possibly life.
>...However, there needs to be some provision to make sure that they don't stay in jail longer than what their offense would have garnered.
Well, in the US Constitution, they talk about a "speedy trial". But since this is the US, the US Constitution doesn't have too much weight. Failure to waive your right to a speedy trial can result in your public defender getting beat down by the judge.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2015/12/1...