[alt2319]

Well 1030(a) violations didn't used to have a mandatory minimum sentence, but they got added after congress was afraid Kevin Mitnick could launch nuclear missiles from a pay phone.

When I was charged with a 1030(a) crime, I faced a mandatory minimum of 6 months in prison. No plea bargain could reduce that. If I was convicted, I was likely facing the exact same sentence because my damages were so low that I wouldn't normally qualify for any prison time at all under federal sentencing guidelines. So the main reason to plea bargain was to avoid paying an attorney or using a public defender. It also got the case over within 6 months rather than 2 years so I could move on with my life quicker.

It could get even worse as Congress keeps wanting to increase the mandatory minimums and don't really understand the laws or the internet. http://www.volokh.com/2011/05/24/congress-considers-increasi...