Plea bargains are seldom done for the sake of convenience or avoiding the "expense" of a trial, at least in the federal (sorry if that's a dirty word here) judicial system. Before a plea is accepted, it's fully explained to the defendant, both in and out of court. Judges go to great length to make sure that the plea and its consequences are fully understood. In addition, going to trial does not automatically mean that a dfendants will be found not guilty. Case in point, a case came across my desk recently where the defendant turned down the plea, went to trial, was found guilty by a jury, and sentenced to three consecutive life sentences. Is the system perfect? No, but it's the best I'm aware of.

Yesterday it was 0, so I gave it a point and it stayed...

hey, was ard's post getting dinged yesterday?

2001's are sadly out of my price range in general.
this was an 05 Bodegas Arrocal Ribera del Duero

2001 San Vicente Tempranillo. Sublime!

Spain

Loooove Tempranillo! Looking into the Aussie section of the wine. Maybe Spain?

it's Friday night. Fume Blanc and I are enjoying each others company before dinner. Then we move to Tempranillo and fondue. crusty bread, lively conversation and glorious 80 degree evening. chinchin! over and out

It looks like something weird is going on here, between my "spew" and your "snort", people will wonder. What, I don't know!

snort

This comment is soooo funny right now !!!!

btw, I am not giving this a point back up, because you're obviously getting dinged. I hope the admin are looking into this

excellent article. I also clicked through to Downey's article on KPMG. That was a rviting read. We never hear about cases like this in the news! or if they're reported, a 10 sec blurb. It is striking to me, after reading both articles, how the citizen or business will always be nailed into the coffin and govt officials or IRS agents never go to prison for their crimes-well unless it's Chicago-the token white collar throwaway. as citizens, we just accept this, either through intimidation or apathy