5 ms·
Given that the conviction rate exceeds 99% it all seems like splitting hairs -- when you've been charged, you will be sentenced. It seems unlikely that they're
by endorphone 8y ago
Given that the conviction rate exceeds 99% it all seems like splitting hairs -- when you've been charged, you will be sentenced. It seems unlikely that they're just that good at deciding who to charge.
- Aeolun 8y agoIt’s based on extracting confessions. If you’ve confessed, naturally you are guilty. They just don’t actually charge anyone until they’ve already confessed. The only problem is that insane structure where they basically lock you up until you are so tired of it you confess to basically whatever they want out of desperation. I’m fairly sure that if he just waits it out he’ll go perfectly free, and I suspect he knows the same.
- lotsofpulp 8y agoIf you’re locked up no matter what, what’s the difference in being found guilty of not?
- jacquesm 8y agoThat argument holds true at every percentage, and it gets trotted out here on HN with regularity. "Oh, the DOJ would never charge people that they aren't sure they will convict" and variations on that theme. Getting arrested at all is in the eyes of many the same as being guilty of something even if not the particular crime you are being charged with.
- mc32 8y agoProsecutors tend to only take cases with high certainty of conviction. It’s also why murders get classified as “accidental deaths”, because prosecutors are unwilling to prosecute on iffy evidence (they know someone was murdered, but just don’t have bullet proof evidence).