| On the other hand ... let's suppose this case went to trial and the jury handed down a not-guilty verdict. (Not very likely, but juries are notoriously unpredictable.) Would an acquittal be a better outcome than a plea agreement?
The plea agreement in this case may seem distasteful to some. But consider this: Because he pleaded out, the defendant has a conviction on his record. And if he violates the terms of his probation, he will be sent to prison.
Plea agreements are generally unpopular with the public — and sometimes there's good reason for that. But if every case went to trial, the criminal justice system would move even more slowly than it does now.
I am neither attacking or defending the plea agreement in this case - just pointing out the other side of the issue. |