re: #299 imp_62

Without getting involved in the argument as such, I need to point out that plea deals usually come about where:
a) both the prosecution and the defense have doubts about the outcome, and consider a negotiated result better than an uncertain one
b) the prosecution has a strong case, but is interested in trading part of the potential punishment for something of value from the defendant.

A defense attorney would be in serious breach of his duties towards his or her client in negotiating a plea deal when the prosecution “has no case”. I think in this case, certain charges were dropped in return for a plea on the other charges, to avoid the uncertainty of trial.

The feds have a 95% conviction rate (mostly because they cheat) meaning in the mind of a federal prosecutor if they charge you there isn’t any “uncertainty” at trial. If the feds had any case at all in regards to a wire tapping charge there wouldn’t have been a plea deal that amounted to a slap on the wrist.