Maricopa County Attorney Andrew Thomas is stamping out plea bargains for people suspected of a dozen different violent crimes. Thomas says under his new policy, those charged with a serious violent crime must either plead guilty as charged, or go to trial. Thomas says the change, which takes effect next month, targets the "worst of the worst" criminals. Judges have already been notified. He says the move will lead to more trials but he believes it will be a "manageable increase."
Already home to Sheriff Joe Arpaio, notorious for his "tent city" jails, chain gangs, and trail mix and bologna menus. When asked what people should do if a burglar breaks into their home, a previous prosecutor replied, "You shoot the S.O.B." |