A several-time felon who had received multiple second chances is now charged with first degree murder in the death and mutilation of his sixteen year old neighbor girl. The Denver Post is reporting his case is an example on how budgetary constraints are forcing courts to release dangerous individuals who would be best served behind bars. While this may be true in this particular case, one shouldn’t forget that such tragedies are extremely rare.
The defendant in this case had been incarcerated previously for charges like aggravated robbery and menacing with a handgun. He was on probation at the time of the murder though his supervising officer stated he gave no indications that things were going badly in his life or that he was on the verge of some disastrous decisions.
Although some are saying he shouldn’t have been out in the first place, claiming had he been in prison the murder wouldn’t have occurred—they aren’t entirely correct. Had he went to prison for the latest of his charges and behaved well, he likely would’ve been out by now anyways.
The defendant is said to have mental health issues that required medication as well as alcohol problems. It’s usually true that probation allows for greater treatment options than prison anyways, suggesting he may have gotten any rehabilitative benefits possible from the probation he was on rather than through incarceration.
Unfortunately, not every single crime can be prevented. It’s just not possible. There will be tragedies where innocent lives are lost or forever changed. It seems that this may have been one such tragedy.
The Denver Post article examines how budget problems may further lead to dangerous people being in our midst—causing prosecutors to work out more lenient plea agreements to avoid trial. And while this can be true, the issue of plea agreements goes far beyond a prosecutor saving a couple bucks.Watch Full Movie Online Streaming Online and Download
The vast majority of criminal cases end in a plea bargain. And while many think this would be beneficial to a defendant, that’s not always true. When someone is brought up on charges and told by the prosecutor that they will be going to prison, a plea can be enticing even when the defendant is not guilty.
Imagine this scenario: You are arrested and charged with distribution of drugs. You’re told the case is a “slam dunk” and you will be convicted. Your potential sentence—up to 20 years. But here comes the county prosecutor giving you a “deal”. They offer you 5 years, suspended—meaning you’ll serve probation—in exchange for a guilty plea. If you reject the plea the prosecutor will do their damndest to ensure you aren’t granted bail and you sit in the local jail until your trial date. And if you make them take it all the way to trial, you can bet they will push for the maximum allowed sentence. Kind of makes the plea agreement look like a good choice right?
Without a criminal defense attorney on your side these sorts of arrangements can be difficult to analyze. It can be hard to see the tree through the forest. When you’re faced with a criminal charge and unsure of what to do, talking to an experienced local Colorado defense lawyer should be your first priority.