Here's one for everyone, LE and civilians welcome.
You have been charged with a felony you didn't commit. Although you know you are innocent, you have no decent alibi because, let's face it, sometimes you're just sitting around the house by yourself. The case against you is based on the testimony of one questionable witness, and lots of circumstantial evidence. After examining everything during discovery, your lawyer informs you that, in his estimation, it could go either way at trial. If convicted, you face a minimum of 15 years before parole.
Two weeks before trial, the prosecutor offers a honey of a deal. 10 years probation, no jail time. In exchange, you must plead guilty, making a public statement in the media (high profile case), and write apologies to your victim's family members.
My question: how much is your sworn word ("So help me God") worth to you? Can you justify lying to stay out of prison for sure? Or do you feel an obligation to yourself to tell the truth, no matter what the consequences to you may be? Remember, it's not just the guilty plea - you have to admit to this crime a LOT, publicly and in writing. In essence, you're giving your word that you did it, when in fact you did not.
I'll save my answer a few days and see if anyone wants to reply.
You have been charged with a felony you didn't commit. Although you know you are innocent, you have no decent alibi because, let's face it, sometimes you're just sitting around the house by yourself. The case against you is based on the testimony of one questionable witness, and lots of circumstantial evidence. After examining everything during discovery, your lawyer informs you that, in his estimation, it could go either way at trial. If convicted, you face a minimum of 15 years before parole.
Two weeks before trial, the prosecutor offers a honey of a deal. 10 years probation, no jail time. In exchange, you must plead guilty, making a public statement in the media (high profile case), and write apologies to your victim's family members.
My question: how much is your sworn word ("So help me God") worth to you? Can you justify lying to stay out of prison for sure? Or do you feel an obligation to yourself to tell the truth, no matter what the consequences to you may be? Remember, it's not just the guilty plea - you have to admit to this crime a LOT, publicly and in writing. In essence, you're giving your word that you did it, when in fact you did not.
I'll save my answer a few days and see if anyone wants to reply.
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