[actionscripted]

> ...inmates are coerced by their appointed attorney (who is swamped) to waive their right for a speedy trial.

Oftentimes in the US it is less about a busy defense attourney and more about the prosecution offering a plea deal to skip trial. I can't say with any certainty why this is done but I believe it's due to overcrowding in courts and jails.

Many attourneys will suggest the defendant accept the plea deal because it's a sure thing. It's a lighter sentence than if the defendant went to court and when a case goes to court -- especially a jury trial -- it is impossible to say how it will turn out and it could end up far worse for the defendant when compared to the plea deal.

[alistairSH]

It's also about the DA padding her own stats. Charge the defendant with every felony that even closely fits the alleged crime, then allow them to plea down to a misdemeanor. DA gets a conviction, court docket is smaller, and the alleged criminal "gets off easy".

[gnode]

It's also possible for a plea to involve conditions beyond punishment, such as a requirement to testify against another defendant.