I'm not sure where you pulled that number from. I've successfully defended against multiple charges in my life, unsuccessfully others, and the only money I was out was a couple forms and bail, which I got back. The charges I got out of involved a public defender. When I hired a lawyer, I was convicted.
I think there's a lot of misunderstanding about the criminal system from people that have never been through it and, by the very nature of how the criminal system works -- especially if you end up in front of a jury -- it's impossible to predict how anything will play out.
I'm more concerned that people are donating to a legal fund after reading news statements and, possibly, the police report.
I have never been convicted. I have been through 5 court cases in my life time, including reaching the Supreme Court both as a plaintiff and as a defendant. I am 26.
So one's civil -- a completely different ballgame -- since you don't reach the Supreme Court as a plaintiff for a criminal case. Is the other civil or criminal?
Court is a resource war. The true cost of a legal defence can easily get into the $100k range
I donated to make sure that their was a fair trial, or else we will have someone pleading to a felony early for a school science experiment.
> Are you guys prepared to contribute to the legal funds of everyone who is expelled and charged with crimes for unfair reasons?
Yes, if I am aware of it & can afford it.