"The system is designed with simply one outcome in mind: keep the poor with high recidivism rates and minimal social resources in jail-- a sort of half-way house for the disenfranchised-- until you can't possibly justify it any longer, and then give them a quick trial, accept the guilty plea ('what guilty plea?') and sentence them to time served and probation-- where you can add further controls.
[...]
"I know you think I am exaggerrating. I'll bet you're not poor."