Quote:
Originally Posted by GreyWolf
The reason Polanski ran was because despite the plea bargain that would have spared him any prison time, he was going to be sent back to jail until such time as the judge in the case decided on the validity of the plea bargain. It wasn't so much flouting US law as it was a reaction to the judge's decision. I don't like plea bargains, but once one's made, it pretty well has to be honoured or you'll never get another one from anyone.
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No, no, no.
A plea bargain is a deal between the defendant and the prosecutor. The defendant agrees to plead guilty, and possibly to other things, like testifying against an accomplice, the prosecutor agrees to the lessor sentence. The judge isn't involved in the agreement at all - he didn't agree to anything, and can sentence the defendant however he likes, within whatever guidelines apply.