So because they probably won't get convicted that means you should just let everyone do what they want without any concern that there will be any consequences whatsoever?

Studies have shown that the actual severity of the punishment has very little to do with the decision to commit a crime, but the perception of likelihood of being caught is a much bigger factor.

When people know they can literally hit and run in front of a cop and they won't do a thing, they're going to do it with impunity every time. If they know that they're going to get booked and there is a chance they will get charged and convicted, even if it's a small one, that's infinitely more incentive not to commit the crime.

What's that saying cops are so fond of? "You can avoid the charge but you can't avoid the ride?" I guess that only applies when you're trying to harass an innocent person and not when you're actually supposed to be doing your job, huh?