This is common - too common, unfortunately. NPR had a story about a similar event involving a man that was accused by police of a serious crime he didn't commit. He was out shopping at the time of the crime, and had a receipt for something he bought. That wasn't enough. Cops wanted video evidence that he was nowhere near the crime scene. Public defender had to go to the store cameras to confirm it was him before they would let him go. The camera footage had been scheduled to be cycled through/written over, but they managed to obtain it before it was deleted. This was thanks to an overworked public defendant.
People that dont have access to good representation get offered plea bargains knowing that they will likely take the deal instead of going to court and getting the book thrown at them for something they didnt do. DAs count these plea bargains as convictions, and make them look good, as protecting the public from dangerous criminals. Yet they know they are sending innocent people to jail.
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u/_tube_ 1d ago edited 1d ago
This is common - too common, unfortunately. NPR had a story about a similar event involving a man that was accused by police of a serious crime he didn't commit. He was out shopping at the time of the crime, and had a receipt for something he bought. That wasn't enough. Cops wanted video evidence that he was nowhere near the crime scene. Public defender had to go to the store cameras to confirm it was him before they would let him go. The camera footage had been scheduled to be cycled through/written over, but they managed to obtain it before it was deleted. This was thanks to an overworked public defendant.
People that dont have access to good representation get offered plea bargains knowing that they will likely take the deal instead of going to court and getting the book thrown at them for something they didnt do. DAs count these plea bargains as convictions, and make them look good, as protecting the public from dangerous criminals. Yet they know they are sending innocent people to jail.