It is also worth noting that once a maximum sentencing of 35 years is set, how ever less probable, loss aversion[1] kicks in and the accused in general is expected to get into plea bargain, plead guilty and be done with it.
It's really immaterial whether the accused knows the fine print or not. Here's a thought experiment I did on myself. I have to chose between the following two.
1. Challenge the accusation. There's a net probability of 1% of me sent to prison for 35%.
2. Plead guilty and face prison time of 7 years.
I'd chose #2 because the prospect of spending 35 years in prison terrifies me!
Reporters parrot 35 years probably because for an accused facing 35 years is a real prospect, however improbable.