While I agree on your last point, it should be noted that at least in the US for criminal matters you must have a court appointed lawyer if you prove to be unab

While I agree on your last point, it should be noted that at least in the US for criminal matters you must have a court appointed lawyer if you prove to be unable to pay for one out-of-pocket. For civil cases however, you’re out of luck. Additionally, plea deals are also taken because they’re a “known”. You can quantify the result, and you can’t in a court case. Not to mention most people really don’t want to deal with the stress and find probation + fine + misdemeanor a worthwhile cost.