Refusing numerous plea bargins.......

If a group of persons were indicted on criminal charges for fraud and theft and they continue to turn down many plea offers and elect to go to trial. During this time a co-defendant decides to testify agaist the other persons as part of a plea bargin. None of these persons have a criminal history. They are teachers and admonistrators accused of stealing money from the school district and field trip money from parents. Is it likely they will face jail time if convicted? Could they have made there situation better by accepting an early plea bargin?

[annjd]

The likelihood of jail does increase if they refuse to admit guilt and are found guilty--and in essence therefore lied before and during the trial about what happened.

they shouldn't be punished for exercising their constitutional right to trial,
(but they probably will be), their lawyers should all coordinate and put it on the turncoat.