In Delaware, 71% of gun charhges are dropped

The News Journal | January 17, 2016 | Esteban Parra

[imardmd1]

http://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/local/2016/01/15/prosecutors-gun-charges-dont-matter-much-convictions/78428440/

[imardmd1]

The City of Wilmington, Delaware is noted for gun violence, but this article states that in two years there were almost 12,000 felony weapons charges made in this small state, but 70% of them were dropped. Of that statistic, most were gun-related. It looks like the reason was that the rate of convictions were assisted by making the gun charge a bargaining chip to get the conviction. Would it not make more sense to prosecute the gun-carriers to the limit, rather than give perpetrators the idea that carrying a gun in the commission of a felony is not a very serious matter?

[sgtyork]

How about charges against otherwise law-abiding citizens?

[Cobra64]

Pass more gun laws, and they can get that number up to 80%.

[Eagles6]

Then you’re in trouble.

[Eagles6]

Same here in PA. 5 yrs for a crime committed wth a gun is the first thing plea bargained away

[imardmd1]

How about charges against otherwise law-abiding citizens?

It's not clear to me what you mean here. The state is not a "shall issue" state, but it is fairly easy for a citizen with a law-abidiug history to obtain a CCDW license. Although the open carry is legal, it invites harassment from the police, and is not considered by them an acceptable behavior. There is no licensing requirement for the law-abiding citizen to purchase a hand-gun for use in his/her own home, nor for using it in shooting sports as long as it is securely carried to and from the activity.

[Pollster1]

In other words, gun laws are only enforced against law-abiding citizens. We’ve all always known that was their purpose.

[Recompennation]

Just shows how they go after the citizenry rather than the criminally committed. I hope law enforcement is waking up to common sense and not wasting time and resources.