[Magdalen] Heather Cook

[Grace Cangialosi]

Well, I think I understand, Jim, but it just doesn't seem fair for the family to have to keep waiting for one delay after another when there's no uncertainty about guilt.
And I am assuming your comment about the "Tea Party set" wasn't directed at me.
I can't say I understand the whole plea system, except that it's designed to get the least possible penalty for the guilty party, which, course, is what she's paying the lawyers for. But why can't they go into the courtroom, provide whatever evidence they have, have a judge or jury declare her guilty, since that's not an issue, and then hammer out whatever deals they want without keeping the family on the string?
It would be different if they didn't know what happened or who the driver was, of course.

Good thing I'm not a lawyer. I could never defend someone I knew to be guilty...

> On Jun 6, 2015, at 9:00 AM, "Jim Guthrie" <jguthrie at pipeline.com> wrote:
> 
> From: Grace Cangialosi
> 
>> see why the trial would be especially long.  Seems to me she's just trying
>> to stay out of jail for as long as possible.
> 
> Yes -- but not for the reason you think.
> 
> A trial costs lots of money for all involved. A plea deal costs are relatively tiny in comparison. That's why the state has an interest in avoiding trial -- no matter the circumstances.
> 
> So plea negotiations drag on with the defendant's attorney(s) fighting to minimize jail time or other punishments. The state will continue negotiations to avoid a trial. And unless the defendant pleads guilty or nolo contendre at the outset, even a trial where "everyone knows" what happens can drag on for days or weeks. But no person in their right mind or with competent Counsel would ever do that without a plea deal first.
> 
> And sometimes negotiating time gets drawn out -- especially once vacation seasons start at the beginning of summer.
> 
> This is how the justice system in America works. I realize the Tea Party set wants trials for all and no namby-pamby plea deals, though they want the trials for free -- easy enough if they all end up in a few minutes using Queen of Hearts justice.
> 
> Plea deals and attendant negotiations are the way of the world.
> 
> 'Cheers,
> Jim