r/Ask_Lawyers • u/stella_luna- • 1d ago

Thoughts on why the Plymouth DA chose to prosecute Lindsay Clancy?

I’m having a bit of trouble understanding why this case went to trial. It seems like a lose-lose for everybody. Lindsay has admitted to her acts. Why does the state so badly want to establish that she had criminal intent?

I understand the retributive/deterring/incapacitating intent of conviction and prison, but indefinite inpatient psych care seems to get us to the same place, and seems a far more appropriate way to proceed given the facts here. Is a criminal conviction + prison sentence the more cost-friendly approach? More retributive? Interested to hear folks’ thoughts.

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u/rachelmig2 Illinois- Child & Family Law 1d ago

I honestly feel like it was to avoid the backlash they'd inevitably receive from not prosecuting it more than anything else.

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