This. It's called "candy." They pad all these charges to make a plea deal look like a bargain, when in reality it's a railroading tactic to preserve conviction rates. Basically a baseball card stat for a lawyer. It doesn't have to be right or wrong, as long as they win. Justice is a farce and if you don't have the money to spread across the whole procedure, you are fucked.
Close family friend got tied up with the Feds. His offer was, go to court and take a chance on 30 years, or accept the plea deal of 3 months. 100% innocent, he took the deal, and the US Attorney got a scalp.
This. It's called "candy." They pad all these charges to make a plea deal look like a bargain, when in reality it's a railroading tactic to preserve conviction rates. Basically a baseball card stat for a lawyer. It doesn't have to be right or wrong, as long as they win. Justice is a farce and if you don't have the money to spread across the whole procedure, you are fucked.
Close family friend got tied up with the Feds. His offer was, go to court and take a chance on 30 years, or accept the plea deal of 3 months. 100% innocent, he took the deal, and the US Attorney got a scalp.
Works until they run into the wrong person. Threatening someone with 30 years is not a joke.
Sad but true. Prosecutor stats are for the resume and bragging rights.
Nothing to do with truth justice.
Source: lived in Chicago most of my life