People v. Coutard

OPINION OF THE COURT

Joseph Goldstein, J.

“Revolving door justice” and “plea bargaining” are phrases which some law enforcement agencies, politicians and professors use in less than a complimentary reference to the Judges who preside in Criminal Parts of this and other courts.

It should be noted that without an offer being made by the prosecutor, no plea bargain can take place. In cases involving “driving while intoxicated” or “driving while impaired”, as well as many other charges, many prosecutors maintain a “programmed plea bargaining schedule”.

As a practical matter, plea bargaining is a…