Why Innocent People Plead Guilty | Adnan Sultan | TEDxFurmanU
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- čas přidán 26. 07. 2024
- The United States' criminal justice system can be complicated. In this talk, Adnan Sultan, staff attorney for the Innocence Project, breaks down the complicated legal system and why innocent people plead guilty.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx
The irony is that the very system that is supposed to keep people safe has become another problem people have to watch out for and fear.
U SAID VOLUMES. AND PUT YEARS OF RESEARCH IN ONE SENTENCE.
And so it’s time for the citizens of the country to come together in droves and remind the judicial system and the government who they’re supposed to ethically serve.
Because as a people have traded the truth for a lie. We wanted to be enslaved back under the power of the slavemasters hand of oppression. We have forgotten who we are and who God is. This country as we knew it is gone. Its the end time babylon. The only thing left for it, is judgement. And it is coming. Brace yourself
Was it ever designed to keep people safe or was that intention simply a disguise to mask the real purpose of keeping people under (their) control. I really don’t know of course but at this point I just don’t trust any of these systems at all anymore.
I'm currently facing a charge for a felony that I did not commit and they will not give me anything but a plea bargain for that felony I'm going all the way to a jury trial
Luke Ives I wish I can do the same and going to trial but it is very expensive and have fear of heavy sentences if you do so. I am thinking just to plead guilty and get over it even through I am innocent
@@SPj3185 I was offered an Alford plea I’m innocent and have been falsely accused I would not have any jail time at all and a wiped record after 3 years of probation but I just can’t accept it why should i admit what I didn’t do that isn’t a win for me
But it’s a threat of spending life in prison if I fight but I just can’t accept not fighting idk I’m too young for all this smh
@@solomonKachi7000 I totally understand you. I guess the reality is just that we can’t win against governament. The law is not the same for everyone. Isn’t it ironic knowing someone being charged with perjury is now asked to attend a trial as a witness??!!! Unfortunately because we have to accept it they don’t need to prove it as much as we think they have to... at the end it is a threat accept what you did so police enforce can win otherwise chances are for you to go to jail if you go to trial. I found this crazy!!!!! Everyone guilty or not has the right to attend trial this belongs to human rights!!!! But all they think is for the court sistem not to collapse so it is good for them when you plead guilty.
I accepted an Alford plea worst mistake of my life public defender was horrible
The more important the stuff is, the less people want to see it.
We shouldn't forget the innocent people who choose to go to trial and are found guilty. There are many reasons for this including mistaken eyewitnesses, withholding evidence that could exonerate a defendant, or faulty forensic evidence. But one reason left out is jury prejudice. This was brought home to me when I served on a jury for the first time. During voir dire the defense attorney asked how many in the jury pool thought that a person was guilty just because he had been arrested. About a third of the people raised their hands. They were immediately excused. I was shocked, and it made me realize that our jury system relies on jurors being open-minded and willing to listen to the evidence and then making up their mind as to guilt or innocence. Seeing how many people judge a person guilty just because they have been arrested made me see a major fault in our system. Juries are often prejudiced against defendants before the trial even starts. Whether a defendant is innocent or not, they often don't really have a chance.
Thank you for sharing your information about juries. I am now going to plead guilty to a totally made up misdemeanor than end up with a jury that already has their minds made and end up in Prison over the two felonies that the judge would give me the maximum sentence if the Jury based their opinions and verdicts instead of the facts of the case.
Everyone needs to stop calling it a justice system. Call it what it really is....a control system. Or a prison system.
Why does this have so little views? This is important.
ikr!
did you share this with anyone? no? so did everybody else
Because the average layman even when victimized thinks it unreasonably stressful to devote a little time to issues that matter.
Because it's flawed. No bail reform does not work. Look at NYC's repeat offenders.
Because he's not talking about how to hook up with women or trying to sell a get rich quick sceme.
How sad and true.
Very well said, this man sure knows his stuff.
this video needs more views...
13 people plea bargained then watched this video....
I'm out on bail twice-told and taking it to trial to prove innocence... "It wasn't me it was the one armed man." Seriously speaking this man speaks the truth and nothing but the truth. Both the System and Jail are in need of reform. If i we're to plead automatic lose custody of my child In family court and have a Record.
Risk vs reward .. trail
Yeah, how is it with 32 million subscribers, this video only has 30,000 views. 🤔
@@g.turrubiartes714
oh can
your mother sew
How do you unbutton ?
@@mockingbird195 un b
I was falsely charged with 2 b felonies... I had to take a plead deal cuz I was scared of blowing trrial toand getting over 15 years prison time. Now I'm a felon and ticking time bomb
I'm sorry for you man. Be stronger than your challenges.
2 Attempt Burglary E Felonies
Because my print was at a crime scene in one and the other was for similar burglary few days after
Attempt Burglary tho!? How if the stuff was stolen by someone else!
I love you
Looking back I wish I would have known what I know now. My EX falsely accused me to initiate a divorce. When the police showed up I had been taught my whole life that they were the good guys! I had no idea that they were entrapping me and making things even worse! Long story short I just got denied a very high paying job because of a crime that I never committed that I pled guilty to! It sucks! The crime was brought down from a felony to a misdemeanor for a crime I never committed! In all reality that police officer should have only charged me with a misdemeanor (even though I didn't do what I was accused of) but I had no idea how any of this worked!
I was falsely accused as well man I’m young was in college it ruined my life , why should I admit to an Alford plea ? I can’t do it , do u have any advice. I feel like I can win but do I risk it when I can take lesser charges and not have to fear registry , time, and can get my record cleared after a few years
@@solomonKachi7000 I got a good Criminal lawyer in my district that had a very large winning most of his cases. The other is getting a mens rights lawyer. Listen to what they tell you.
I feel like I’m stuck between a rock and a hard place I don’t believe there’s enough real evidence if there’s any at all but in this metoo era who knows if I could be convicted of word alone
I learned the hard way too. Don't talk to cops....they are not your friends. They're only talking to you to build a better case.
No one trusts cops. All cops are liars This is why cops are so hated in our society today.
This happen to me just a few days ago. Omg... Pleading guilty to something I didn't do. I deal with depression and take medicine for it. Psych ward, we on lock 24 hours. I didn't shower a whole three days after constantly asking to bath and brush my teeth. Of course no one wants to sit in jail. Plus! I was barely eating because the food is horrible.
So sorry that happened to you!! 🙏🏾
I feel the same way 😞my attorney encouraged me to sign a plea and I feel so depress I feel they ve violated my innocence my dignity
@@lilggpartida5223 I found out that is what they are paid to do just get you to take a deal and threaten a harsher sentence if you take it to trial… and they won’t really fight for you at trial… sorry you went through that it’s horrible
One reason is that if the judge offers you a plea deal and you don't take it. And if you're happen to be found guilty, they penalize you with mote years for not taking the plea deal.
That’s the part! How scary is that! Their is no guarantee even if you are innocent you will win so to be told you will be penalized more for trying to prove your innocence would stop you for trying out of fear. if the deal in no jail time but if you lose you will definitely serve time in Jail what do you do? For those in they plea and for those out the definitely don’t want to go in….
@@francescaali8782 Well i have read a case which in which someone kept contacting supreme court to see his case because of unlawful judgment. Which it took a while before getting seen which in fact it was in the 17 century. He was a advocate and he was adjured by a one man jury or some stuff. There was another on which a man was sentence to death. But he kept trying complaining due to some reason or another saying he was wanting a different sentencing but i don't think it did him any good tho. Poor situation the guy was charged with capital murder in Mississippi.
The system will make you and bribe you to say you're guilty. Instead of doing due process to figure it out themselves.
Jail is a place to toture people until they take a plea bargain :v
I am totally against plea deals. I just took a plea deal without knowing what it meant and because my husband was with me and he decided it was cheap and fast. I got a dangerous driving traffic ticket. I was leaving a stop sign and had to cross one lane of traffic to get to the open lane I needed. The light was red so all traffic was stopped. A vehicle was taking a turn onto the one lane available to him that I had to cross. - I was 100 yards away and safely crossed into my lane. The officer said he gave me the ticket because if that vehicle turning could have hit me if he had stepped on the gas. I have been harassed by the highways department for medical records, eye tests, received a letter from a driving school, now I have to pay to take a driving test and get eye tests.... Isn't that overdoing it?? I would say it is my age and I am being discriminated against! I have 60 hours of driver training to qualify as a high school driving instructor - in class and on road and taught driving for years. I know I didn't do anything wrong! Went to court - no judge - and took a plea deal. Now I know how innocent people spend their lives int jail!
This video will change my life
2 main reasons why people take pleas. 1st if found guilty the judge (wannabe God) will give you an outrageous sentence. 2nd in trial the jury doesn't care about you they just want to get their check and get back to their life's.
Probably the one thing more important than why innocent people plead guilty is why are corrupt and incompetent cops arresting innocent people?
exactly- that's how we know there are ZERO good cops anymore...If there was one, they would be kept busy fighting corruption within.....otherwise, they are a criminal like all the rest.
they take a oath to protect and serve and defend the constitution with their life, and first day on the job they begin their crime spree...
It's more, "Why are prosecutors pursuing meritless charges?"
The police can *only* arrest innocent people, because nobody is guilty until so proven in court.
@@EddyA1337 money! grants from the feds like DOJ. the programs are endless for this or that. local sheriffs and municipals now depend on federal dollars for budgeting. there's not such thing as local law enforcement. it's all controlled by the feds with grants. follow the money.
@@hoi-polloi1863 the problem with that is the arrest is required to be based in factual probable cause. they didn't keep the courts packed and wanted to collect more cash so they ignore that and lowered the standard to "reasonable suspicion. prosecutors do not care if cops don't provide either. prosecutors need to prosecute to justify there jobs. if they are being true to the public trust and not prosecuting when cops aren't making lawful arrests then they don't have the statistics to submit to the feds for the grants. they want more crime in order to say we need more money. i could go on.
I plead guilty even through i’m innocent!!!! As a result of a plea bergain and because was told me will have lesser sentence than going to trial!!! My offence is because of bad legal advice but my lawyer told me that this doesn’t take off my responsibility??!! This is crazy!!! That’s how innocent get conviction!!!!! lost faith in justice system in Australia!!!! What he is talking about is so true!!! Well done 👏👏👏
I pled guilty to something I didn't do and accept a plea deal as I had no witnesses.I end up getting deported
Christopher Storer we plead guilty because the justice system makes you do so without wasting their time and if you go to trial you get heavy punishment. I found this crazy!!! We have no rights!!!!!
update
Exactly how it was for me but 10x worse. I can't believe what they done.
Jean Cam did you take the plea
I took the plea when I was young and now it ruin me, been 9 years. I can prove my innocents
@@martyrescue87 what plea was it. The Alford plea ?
At 16, I was charged with second-degree robbery for a crime I never committed; I've never even handled a gun. It was a case of "he said, she said," their word against mine. I spent three years in county jail before I succumbed and accepted a plea for a 10-year sentence, having been told I'd face more time if I went to trial. That was in 1998. Now, I'm in college studying criminal justice, set to graduate in 2025-it's time for a change.
And yet NOTHING is being done about this obviously and inherently flawed system... What a complete travesty.
Amen.
It just takes people to stop falling for the trap, and to be strong.
Thank you.
I shared on social media.. he is awesome
Beautifully explained...
In 2015 I was charged with armed and placed on $3,000 dollar bail. I plead guilty even though I didn't commit any crime, it was out of frustration. It all started with an unfaithful woman who had a "side man" who thought I was threatening their affair and wanted me away from her. Four years later it is affecting me from becoming a US citizen and I'm feeling cheated about it.
Sad to hear that bro. The system is broken. Many of the people who say or supports the US legal system have not been in situations like these so they don’t got room to speak with. I hope whatever endeavors you got is going well. Peace to you 🙏.
thank you for this
"We got a plea deal" Guranteed
Y
That maybe so in some cases . Because in MD don't have a self defense laws , so you to make a deal .
I'm in Maryland too.. Going through really messed up stuff right now because of MD laws..
I thought this video would be flooded with comments, this happen s so frequently.
I was just going to say ....why does the court threaten you with more time if you don't take a plea deal?
Because they don't want to be there they just want thing down
what more people need to do is represent themselves in court with assistance of counsel.
True to life, people don’t know how many rights they have and that they can do better themselves with research and consideration of counsel. Too many public defenders, and defense attorneys don’t do right by defendants. Sadly are society has too many people who assume one is at fault and bad if they have a catch a case in the first place.
A Prosecuter looked into the 16 year old's case and set him free, instead of a defense attorney.
The cops and prosecutors who put innocent people behind bars must be held accountable and put in jail for egregious cases. In fact, they get promoted, some to the judge's bench. The entire system is to get the conviction and not let innocent people get in the way.
Amazing
Maybe we could use mechanisms that are already in place? Something like Habeas Corpus? I don't know... Maybe the public defenders should be taught how to do that for their clients... and then actually do it.
A system that says you have the right to a fair trial, but tells you if you decided to take it to trial, you WILL get a harsher sentence needs to be looked at! how scary no, how terrifying is that!
I like the open discovery notion, but am a little on the fence about replacing bail with text messages. The speaker cited a 90% show rate, but... do you really want an automatic 10% of all suspects, guilty or not, skipping their trial? And what do we do with suspects who really are a danger to the community?
There's money to be made with lawyers if you really think you're not guilty, so always plead not guilty. There are people who've done the worst of the worst, an example the Oregon standoff, and by pleading not guilty, they saved themselves. All charges were dropped against all members of the Oregon standoff.
PUBLIC DEFENDERS ARE USUALLY IN AGREEMENT WITH THE PROSECUTOR, THEY WORK HAND IN HAND WITH THESE GUYS 95% OF THE TIME!!
judges,cops,lawyers defenders and proscuetors are alll in bed with one anthoer so to speak
I was just recently arrested for domestic violence after my younger sister (25) had me (28) arrested under false accusations. She’s NPD and substance abuser. She has been emotionally abusive to me for years (gaslighting, stealing, lying, manipulating) and one day I had gone into her room while she was gone and retrieved many items she’s stolen from me and denied having taken (laptop, cell phone, various sentimental items) and when she got home and saw she had been exposed she became violent and started assaulting me. Yelling kicking scratching and hitting. I pushed her away and called the cops and when they got there they arrested ME because she claimed I broke into her room, broke her things, and choked her/assaulted her. I was arrested on a misdemeanor vandalism and felony DV charge and served 2 1/2 months in jail before taking a plea deal because It was the only way I could be released other than paying bail ($100k) or taking the case to trial. I had planned on taking it to trial because I had 2 witnesses that saw her assault me but the only way I could do that was to set a trial date which was going to mean 3 more months in jail before I got to see a judge. So I had a choice to take a plea and get let out or take it to trial which I knew I’d win but have to wait it out for 3 months in jail where I’d already been for almost 3 months for a crime I didn’t commit.
I’ve developed ptsd from her abuse and have a chronic anxiety disorder because of her abuse. I now have to take meds and should probably look into therapy. But worst part is I have a felony charge and am on probation for 5 years and have to do 52 days of a court ordered program all for something I didn’t do and was a victim of.
Why can't the defense attorney get ALL arrest records and evidence, witness lists upon request? I always thought they could. THAT'S INSANE! Now I know why they delayed my demand for a jury trial for 2 1/2 years basically forcing me to agree to a plea down from a felony to a misdemeanor. Right after I agreed to the plea I found out that the ONLY evidence they had was destroyed 30 days after my arrest and they HAD NO CASE. I tried to sue to have my plea retracted due to the Brady law but if you plea you cannot go back to court about it...no MATTER what
Is also bad if Police lose evidence that could of proved your innocence. That isnt enough to have charges dropped or case dismissed. Because you have to prove they did so intentionally. Almost impossible to prove.
So, plea bargains are to get the prosecutors off the hook of the burden to prove their cases and make sure they have the right person, while it effects those pleading in unimaginable ways for life.
So how does one prevent this outcome? The sooner the better for an answer.....
I know from first-hand I am a good citizen and I got to second-degree charges that I did not do it cost me over 10 grand for an attorney I will never trust our justice system again in my lifetime or a police officer luckily I had the money to pay to get myself out of this but right away they were talking about played bargains too many innocent people get charged with stuff that they did not do our system is broken and the Second thing they want to do because they do not feel like you’re in it is send you to trial thank God I did not have to go to trial would it cost me another $15,000 that’s why people take a plea bargain
I am dealing with this right now,.. First time ever in any trouble of any kind,.. its been almost a year since arrest and I am now flat broke... here are the numbers,... 98% of criminal cases go to Plea conference,.. out of that left over 2% that may be delusional to fight with a Public Defender,.. 50% are going to lose and go to prison EVEN FIRST TIMERS ! My case,.. Crazy Karen turns Victim after a firearm is needed to remind her that trying to run someone over with her car is a no no.... My career is now over . it's been a year and may be another or more before it's over,.. Bottom line folks,.. you have to educate yourself pretty dam quick to have any shot at understanding what is going on... or you're just a pawn in the game of life .
So True 😔
It all depends on how guilty people actually are. Because most people in custody are guilty of a crime. The problem is with overcharging so they can plea to a lesser crime which was too extreme to begin with.
This shows up in family court too. A post separation abuser can use the courts against their victims. If the victim parent and in many cases the children show signs that they want to protect themselves from the abusers it can be deemed alienation or you can be held in contempt for not being an effective co parent.
Make sure you are rich and understand the system .
How do you understand the system
@@eddymaldonado2809 Studying the Law .
@@eddymaldonado2809 you have to be very very rich and go to a very good law school like Harvard Law. And pay more money than you'll ever make in your whole lifetime it's all b******* man things need to be changed.
This is amazing and creative.
I typed the different between confession and please. But jump to this video😊
I'm no expert but without watching it's because of intimidation by the prosecution, expecting a guilty verdict vis either bench or jury trial...
Took a plea deal ruined my life
I did same thing got deported to Jamaica.upon writing this in the past two months haven't had a cent to my name.haven't work in 6 months.coming from $2200 US a week
@@christopherstorer889 crazy bro
How did it ruin your life?
Not legal advice, just expert opinion.
Y'all need to quit drysnitching on yourselves.. this is a public place. The saddest reality is shares are likely getting stricken on other platforms because the CJ system doesn't want people to know about it.
Just asking, in his example, was "Mr. Taylor" actually selling drugs or not?
No he wasn't, obviously
Okay thanks.
@@Xaviergonzalez85 so, how did he sell the drugs? Is the assumption that the officer made it up?
Same GESTAPO tactics used in CANADA, so much for a country that respects THE RULE OF LAW?! RIGHT JUSTIN TRUDEAU??
I used to trust the system but eventually I learned through experience it is severely broken.
However no one, will help one person in Alabama prison
Can not afford bail. Plead guilty to get out of jail. Getting a lawyer is not automatic.
Inadequate defense.... most individuals feel the pressure of remaining free outweighs the complex of having a record? Kid's, job, bills, relationships and obligations take a toll on the truth or real justice.... simply a breakdown in are country's courtrooms....
Ive been chatted with threats, assault , harrasment. For coming to my ex work with flowers and kissing her on the cheeks .
🥺🥺🥺
It’s even harder when you have the permanent suntan.
Why the attorneys this day encourage innocent people to plea guilty?
Probably because they do not believe the client was honest with them about being innocent.
Is it a win win after innocent person has to pay over a 1000$ just to prove their innocence. Something that was kbvious before a probable cause affadavit even went out.
In Colorado they ask are you willingly and knowingly accepting it. Knowing u uninformed and deceptively incentively duressfully coersed. Knowing what I know now no one should ever take one
Too many commercials...
Prosecutor's are criminals.
This is why I dont like cash bonds (don't get me wrong we do need to be careful about who we bond and need to take the safety of the community in mind) but we have too much people that are stuck in jail that take a plea bargain who are unable to bond. How people bond itself needs to be reformed. Policies like posting 10% is in the right direction, but even then some people without any support can't afford it and then are coerced.
WOW
Just got out of jail on false charges. The system does this because $$$ and
the destruction of what's left of family.
Then money from bail.(Slavery)
Probation and the money they take . After they get out . and have to find another job so as to pay their PO , Court cost, fines, not too mention from a charge they will never have behind them.(i
I’m innocent ruined my life pleading guilty trying to withdraw this as feel I was manipulated in to the plea deal to avoid jail don’t know how successful this will be though already spent time in jail over this case and was told it would likely end that way despite being innocent as courts favour women over men and they don’t need any other evidence than her statement which I know to be true as I’ve been held on remand previously because of this case,I now feel as if my life could be all over based on lies.
My friend accepted a guilty plea bargain for a crime he did not commit. Because of that he got 11 years for a non violent domestic issue with his wife
that why i will tell the judge my lawyer begs me to ple guilty. one time i had to go to court 11 times no trial . i ask her if i serve time in jail wood you do half my time ? she smile and said i think you did it. i told them in kew gardens court you don't do trials . if i ever see a trial i hart wood stop beating
Hi' My good citizens the crooked Justice system in June 2001 the police falsely accused a person just getting a ride from off of I-35 and Felix Street @ Burger King at the time. Fort Worth, Tx PD, a male and female showed up with false acquisitions
So I have a case I plead guilty to because i needed to get out of jail, I had an ex girl friend report that i was the person in a video of a garage being broke into and items stolen, I had no idea about this until i was being arrested and told i had a warrant and I was confused, but i was trapped. the charges were felony burlary 2 and misdameanor theft. my bond was 250,000 and the judge was not going to lower the bail. I was not in this video and i had proof of an allibi it was a for sure win for me but I waited in jail for almost 6months and the case had not even moved forward toward trial during that entire time so i began to panic and finally once offered a deal of pleading out to the theft charge only not the felony i did it just to get out not aware how much it was going to hurt me in finding a job and it has ruined my life, I have a 100% rock solid proof that i wasnt in the city of the crime during the time of the crime and a witness as well and im also not in the video! What are my options to get this case reopened and correct this wrong conviction that is taking a huge toll on my life! im homeless because it and my career was ruined!
You need to find an attorney to represent you in this circumstance. No one can freely give legal advice that is not an attorney. Doing so jeopardizes that person's future. The unauthorized practice of law is a serious infraction that can bring jail time and fines and ruin their future in the field. Good luck
If you have no money for an attorney, maybe you can find one pro-bono, or will charitably represent you. It is in the code of ethics for attorneys, that they have to find clients to represent pro-bono, or free.
My ex told police I slapped him. 5to8 times. Without any other investigating besides his words against mine I was charged with battery and disorderly conduct. I was broke and I have no family or friends to help. Camera footage from the hallway of the alleged incident would've had my innocence on it but my public defender said she could not get the footage. I plead guilty because I was told it didn't matter if I fought it. I want to go back and overturn if I can
Wow, that’s sad. That’s the world we live in. False accusations are taken to be true. Without a real investigation.
Well C.J.S. 7 states that you should HIRE an attorney because they are OFFICER'S of the COURT!!!
❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I don't have time to watch all of this for those that have did he give a solution to people on how to fix the issue of innocent people being force to plea guilty??
Because the state threatened u with 60 years but offers u 3
this video is a glimpse from 2015 fast forward to the future of cashless bail , D.A's that refuse to prosecute and leftwing gov .. i.e san fran , ny , philly ,
and md!!
or if you cant afford a Lawler an they will provide one for you and he worst then the prosecutor
You sound like TJ Miller lmao
What about the guy who pleads guilty because he can't afford the legal expenses? And then there's the career criminal who has his bail money as pocket cash.
Valid
Great video, from before TED went woke and started letting insane people onto the stage.
Man i tell yah i can do all the research but it has been difficult for me not to take a plea deal even when being innocent due to the distress of being convicted. I can research and study this stuff and feel confident about what i have been learning. He said i'm suppose to get my money back i don't think i have seen any of my money. Can anyone point me in the right direction of that?? And how i am supposed to go about collecting it????
Not fair at all bs
Why is this guy talking so much with his hands like he is talking to deaf people?
"A Gunner's Story " The FIG Project
The trumps and GOP , guilty AF ,