Sneaky Pete Case
Answers to Jake Law's Questions
Jake Law is the prosecuting attorney in the armed robbery case of Sneaky Pete. In the current negotiation, Jake must resolve his issues with the defense attorney, Chris Vaughn and the Judge as well. It is important for Jake to remember his role as an officer of the court and do what is right for the jurisdiction he represents and not simply for his own personal benefit. Unfortunately for Pete, many of these attorneys are very unsympathetic to anything other than their career.
Prosecuting attorneys serve the public by representing local, state or federal governments in criminal court cases. They participate in the investigation of criminal activity and fight for justice and represents the court. They must also have an understanding of their communities' needs and the motivations driving law breakers. Successful prosecution can lead to an individual's loss of rights, and so a prosecuting attorney must use discretion, perform careful research and seek justice.
For this specific case, it appears that Jake is willing to discuss lessening the punishment for Sneaky Pete with a lesser plea deal that would keep him in a community-based work program while treating him for his addictions and providing a work program as well. Jake must balance this leeway with the dangers that Pete presents to the community. To understand his options Jake had asked the Judge the following question: "Judge, how do you feel about CBCF as a means to resolve the case?"
If the judge is willing to accept this form of punishment for the crime committed, Jake should also consider going along with that plan, but should also use caution. This pleas deal would selfishly lessen Jake's work load,...
This program was not available for Pete when he committed crimes as a juvenile and this may be a way out of his criminal behaviors. Prison does have some benefits for some criminals, but in America, the country that imprisons more people per capita in the world, a welcomed change of pace would be graciously accepted by most citizens of this community. Jake must remember his responsibility to this group of people when deciding what route he will take in prosecuting Sneaky Pete.
Answer To Chris Vaughn's Question
Chris Vaughn is Sneaky Pete's defense lawyer in this case and represents the court as his arguer for his rights within the court of law. Defense attorneys are responsible for providing a vigorous and competent defense for their clients. If a defense attorney fails in his duties or does not appropriately represent the client, a client can potentially get a mistrial if convicted and sue a defense attorney for malpractice.
Defense attorneys must also represent the wishes of their client. If Pete wants to plead not guilty, it is Chris' responsibility to file that plea and prepare the case accordingly. A defense attorney, Chris may not believe that Pete has a good case, and she can advise him of her expert opinion, but she cannot tell Pete what to do and she must represent his interests regardless of whether he agrees with her course of action or not. Defense attorneys play an important role in the criminal justice system. A defense attorney aims to help prevent innocent people from going to prison. Defense attorneys also safeguards constitutional protections, ensuring that due process of the law is followed before a…
