> It's generally the disadvantaged and poor who get hit for low-level, non-violent stuff.

In my country (New Zealand) judges let off young people who look like them, regularly.

"This young man [not but almost always a man] has a great future and he should not be burdened...."

That is if they are an aspiring accountant, laywer, sports star, etcetera

If they are a young bricklayer, welder, etcetera it is tough luck

It is absolutely disgusting. No wonder so many people want to burn the whole thing down