But I also believe that your question is exactly what is bad about the situation. It is a total red herring to the issue at hand. Let me expand:
He should have pleaded guilty to the crimes, because it is in my opinion, that he did infact break current laws, and that 6 months + felony, is not life ending sentence, far from it.
Consider this:
I also believe the laws in which he broke shouldn't exist in the capacity as they do.
You can hold both the above beliefs, and when you do, it gives you power to make reform in an appropriate capacity.