Why are some cases plea bargained?

There are not enough DA's, judges, courtrooms, or trial days on the calendar to put all the thousands of cases every year in Boulder County before a jury. For those defendants taken to trial, or for those who plead guilty before a trial, there are not enough jail cells in the state to hold them.

These practical demands plus the defendant's speedy trial rights, the seriousness of the cases, the strengths or weaknesses of cases, the victim's wishes, public safety, punishment, rehabilitation, and deterrence are all interests that are considered by the DA when deciding how to proceed. Most cases are resolved in a relatively short time with a plea agreement designed to balance the competing interests involved.