Very many. Jury trials are expensive as fuck, and you don't get a penny of it back if you win. The most common offenses charged are less-serious things like D

Very many. Jury trials are expensive as fuck, and you don't get a penny of it back if you win. The most common offenses charged are less-serious things like DUI, where first offenders are likely to receive penalties like a fine, maybe a very short community service, and probation. If you go to trial, you always might lose, and you will pay $50k of legal fees. If the prosecutor offers you a $10k fine, what're you going to do? Even if you could raise the $50k -- of you go to trial and lose (which is always possible), you are likely to get close to the maximum penalty for having fought.