They are also disturbing because they increase maximum prison times. If real criminals are getting short sentences (because they were smart, and took a plea ba

They are also disturbing because they increase maximum prison times. If real criminals are getting short sentences (because they were smart, and took a plea bargain), then politicians will be forced to increase sentences. Eventually, you reach a state where the maximum sentences are insanely high, to compensate for the fact that criminals will always get them discounted.