+1, but i wouldnt multiply the charges.
Just let the Penal code SHOW the minimum and maximum jail time/fine for a certain crime and a JUDGE can decide based on different things such as :
- Circumstances (How and why did he commit that crime)
- Previous offenses ? (Did he commit any other crime in the past?)
etc.
The lawyer job would come in handy as stated above since it could:
- Lower the sentence (lower jail time/fine)
- Remove the sentence completely
All of that highly depends on the crime and how experienced the lawyer is in presenting his case.
Let me give you a good example of real life in which IMMEDIATE DANGER nullifies charges (so to speak). Someone is chasing you with a knife/gun whatever and you have to steal a bike/car to get away. Is it a crime? Yes, its theft, but was the crime committed to preserve life ? Yes. That's what i mean about circumstances. In my country this would nullify the jail time and would only add a fine if the car was damaged in the process or things like that. If the car was returned undamaged, the person that stole it to save his own life would NOT EVEN BE ADDED IN THE SYSTEM (we've got a "system"in which you get added if you commit a serious crime such as theft, i assume most countries have this) so it would not count as a previous offense.
Now let me give you another example in which the charges would NOT get nullified. Same situation, but in this case the player just wants to get away from someone that is shouting/annoying. Is it life threatening? Hell no -> crime committed -> jail time/fine/offense registered.
It will all come down to the judge eventually, but it does a LOT to roleplaying since you can actually get a good defense, evidence can be presented and police abuse can be "fixed" before it damages things further.
I actually wanted to create this suggestion myself (i graduated law school, but i'm a programmer so i really wanted to play as a lawyer/judge while roleplaying, love the irony), but gave it a search first.
So once again, +1.
EDIT: FYI i'm not really a new player. Seems like this is my first post, but whatever. I played around a year ago and quit the game for a while so i just got back.
