Originally posted by Ian McLean
reply to post by _Johnny_Utah_
Yes it is an easy thing to say, and I apologise for any glibness. There is certainly a difference between an outside perspective and facing those things ones self.
But it seems to me: you haven't been charged with anything, and you're claiming there's no basis to any potential charges they seem to be implying, only innuendo.
I would suspect that there are many innocent people in jail, who are there because they were intimidated by fear and strong-arm tactics, and settled for a plead when they were in fact not guilty.
Please don't let attempts at intimidation force your outlook. If they have a valid case, they should be held to present it.
One way the government wins (and it is a pretty effective way at that) is they extend the investigation for as long as they can and prolong the trial. The statute of limitations only applies once a person has been officailly charged with a crime. Until then, there is no time frame they are working within. Most people who are charged or may possibly be charged with crimes, do not have the money to afford a decent lawyer. The court appointed lawyers are for the most part, a joke. They have no idea who the person is they are representing until, many times, moments before they go before the judge.
The court appointed lawyers pretty much make deals...that's it. when they do defend someone, it is not anything like they would do for a paying client...it's just a fact...a very sad fact.
So, the government knows this and uses this to their advantage. They know the longer they drag it out the less likely it is the person will be able to afford to defend themself and will end up making a plea to a lesser crime.
That is why I acted as soon as I found out I was under investigation. I wanted to, as best I could, force the feds into doing something. If an investigation is open and no charges have been filed for considerable time (whatever that is) the person being investigated may ask the investigating body for a letter of non-prosecution. while this letter is non-binding to the government and not always given, if it is...it tends to push the investigation into some back file never to be seen again. This is what I am hoping for, now.
