Why do people plead guilty to crimes they didn't commit?

Question

What benefits do the accused have of pleading guilty other than going to trial?

Answer 1

Usually, the plea bargain is for a lesser charge, or lesser jail time, or concurrent sentences on multiple charges.

In other words, they are being given an option: save the court and the prosecutors the time and cost of a trial, and in return you get less than the maximum punishment we could inflict.

Sometimes, people take the deal because they are fairly certain of being convicted -- the evidence is just too strong. Sometimes, they take it just because they are scared, or pressured into it.

Answer 2

1. Why do people plead guilty to crimes they didn't commit? Attention. Most people lead lives that are dull, boring, monotonous. Some people will "confess" to crimes as a way of receiving attention.

2. What benefits do the accused have of pleading guilty other than going to trial? Plea agreement. Sometimes the prosecutor will allow the defendant to plead guilty to a lesser crime (Misdemeanor as opposed to a Felony). This is an incentive to get the defendant to assist in clearing the case load of the DA and reducing the court backlog. In return the defendant gets a lesser sentence. If probation is part of the agreement, it starts (and ends) earlier.

Answer 3

Keep in mind that prosecutors will often offer reduced charges and sentences in return for a guilty plea (saving the time and expense of an actual trial and putting a quick "win" on their record).

Also, when a person is arrested, only the arrest record and the charge is a matter of public record. If the case goes to trial EVERYTHING presented becomes a matter of public record.

If the accused has any skeletons in the closet...if he ever made a racist statement, struck a girlfriend in anger, or downloaded pornography on his computer...the prosecution will threaten to introduce them as evidence and the information will be "out there" for the rest of the guy's life.

Say what you will about fighting for Justice, but both the courts and the accused can benefit from taking the quick way out.

Answer 4

There is a vast difference between "pleading guilty" and "confessing." Some of the people answering above are referring to "confessing." Confessing to a crime one didn't commit, as we have seen recently, does not always lead to a conviction.

Pleading guilty, in court, will lead to a conviction and, as noted, is most likely done as a plea agreement to get less time in prison or a lesser sentence when the evidence against you is strong. Going to trial is always a crapshoot. The plea deal is at least a sure thing (well, mostly).

Answer 5

Because there's enough evidence to point to them that they'll get a guilty verdict from a jury.

Let's say your attorney says to you, "There's roughly a 95% chance that you're going to be found guilty and get 25 years in the slammer. However, if you plead guilty, you will most likely only get 10."

Let's say you want to see your kids in 10 years.

That's powerful motivation right there.

Answer 6

if the prosecutor has a really good case against them and them don't think they will win, it is sometimes better to plead guilty. sometimes they get a deal so instead of serving 15 years if they were convicted, they would get like 7 years for just pleading guilty.

Answer 7

Sadly in some cases people are bullied into pleading guilty.

Answer 8

because they are ILL or want the publicity.

In the most recent case of JM Karr, this is a sick individual and I believe he has convience himself that he did do it.

He is also interested in the publicity, TV interviews, Books, movie aspect of it which translates into MONEY

this guy should be locked up for a very LONG period of time

Answer 9

So many reasons. Mostly, pressure and fear. but some people just like to inject themselves into a crime for some sick psychological need.

Like the Karr guy, I really doubt anyone bullied him into saying what he did. It didn't even match closely to what happened, he's just a nutter.

Answer 10

They want to be in the spot light. And as far as Karr goes I dare to bet he was messing with little girls over there, and they kill you for that, cheap way to get back to the states.