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The conviction rate is because people are forced to plea out to avoid the stacked overcharging done by prosecutors. You either take the 1-5, or go to trial and
by x86_64Ubuntu 6y ago
The conviction rate is because people are forced to plea out to avoid the stacked overcharging done by prosecutors. You either take the 1-5, or go to trial and risk 20 to Life. The conviction rate at the state level is most certainly not something to be proud of because of the way it's obtained
>...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/2015/12/18/floridas-fighting-judge-whose-videotaped-brawl-in-the-hall-with-a-public-defender-went-viral-is-removed-from-the-bench/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/morning-mix/wp/2015/12/1...
- unishark 6y agoFunny 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.
- x86_64Ubuntu 6y agoI 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.
- throwaway17_17 6y agoI 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.