re: #136 Johnny Derp
Prosecutors have a wide amount of leeway in charging. What they should be doing and what they are doing will differ. Some prosecutors will charge with the highest crime the evidence supports, and include all the lesser includeds, while others will pick and choose the charges. There are merits to both approaches.
However, plea deals work to the favor of both prosecutors and defendants. Reduces trial burdens/costs, certainty that isn’t possible with going to trial, etc.