There's also a third option, people who can't (at the time) afford a lawyer to represent them.
Even in minor court cases, to plead not guilty and take a case to trial costs thousands of dollars. In jail-able offenses, some municipal courts don't have public defenders. And if you are innocent and unwilling to take a plea deal, your only option can be spending $3000+ to defend yourself against a minor misdemeanor charge.
(I realize these people are mostly charged with felonies it seems.)
> (I realize these people are mostly charged with felonies it seems.)
That doesn't necessarily make them more guilty.
It shouldn't cost any money at all to defend in a criminal case unless you wish to bring your own lawyer, and court provided lawyers should do better than they usually do.
Even in minor court cases, to plead not guilty and take a case to trial costs thousands of dollars. In jail-able offenses, some municipal courts don't have public defenders. And if you are innocent and unwilling to take a plea deal, your only option can be spending $3000+ to defend yourself against a minor misdemeanor charge.
(I realize these people are mostly charged with felonies it seems.)