[half-cajun]

"If you can be proven to have committed the crime, then you should serve the full sentence for it."

Ah, but there's the rub. Sometimes you've got a case where you've got a bad witness, or you have some evidence that might be thrown out, so there is a chance that you will lose. Better to let the offender plead to a lesser charge then take the chance that he'll walk. Yes, some plea bargains are wrong and because the prosecutor wants to keep up his convict rate. However, for conscientious prosecutors, it is a valuable tool.

[geezerwheezer]

Never met a witness that couldn't be forced to testify. If the DA stays after it, they'll tell all when the time comes, or put them in jail until they do. Amazing things happen when you are looking at a year or two in the slammer for comtempt of court.