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> ...inmates are coerced by their appointed attorney (who is swamped) to waive their right for a speedy trial. Oftentimes in the US it is less about a busy def
by actionscripted 9y ago
> ...inmates are coerced by their appointed attorney (who is swamped) to waive their right for a speedy trial.
Oftentimes in the US it is less about a busy defense attourney and more about the prosecution offering a plea deal to skip trial. I can't say with any certainty why this is done but I believe it's due to overcrowding in courts and jails.
Many attourneys will suggest the defendant accept the plea deal because it's a sure thing. It's a lighter sentence than if the defendant went to court and when a case goes to court -- especially a jury trial -- it is impossible to say how it will turn out and it could end up far worse for the defendant when compared to the plea deal.
- alistairSH 9y agoIt's also about the DA padding her own stats. Charge the defendant with every felony that even closely fits the alleged crime, then allow them to plea down to a misdemeanor. DA gets a conviction, court docket is smaller, and the alleged criminal "gets off easy".
- gnode 9y agoIt's also possible for a plea to involve conditions beyond punishment, such as a requirement to testify against another defendant.