I’ve been a prosecutor and defense counsel. There are always more than one reason why someone would actually prefer jail.
When I was a prosecutor, we had an “Otis Campbell” type of town drunk. He basically lived in a shack with very little in the way of modern amenities. In November, he would contrive a reason to get arrested. In March, he would be ready to come to Court, and take a plea to time served. The third November he tried this, I just left his paperwork in my desk drawer and told the Judge to release him. He was shocked that the taxpayers wouldn’t provide him with “winter quarters.” He had to wander one county over to get his vacation.
On the other hand, some of the requirements that local governments put on “probation” are so extreme (and really just a way to squeeze money out of the minor offender), that a lot of my clients are more than happy to take 15-30 days out of their lives and just be done with it.
“Three hots and a cot.”
Ha! “Winter Quarters” indeed. Some people simply cannot be made to feel shame. A new high in lows. I have much respect for you who can pass The Bar Exam.
I have always heard that it’s very difficult for the average graduate student to pass The Bar Exam. I recall that JFK JR. (rip) had to take it four or five times before either passing it or writing a check big enough to ‘insure his success’.