It costs about $5k for a decent lawyer in the u.s. for a minor offense, not including random expenses and fees. It could cost way more depending on the complexity of the case. One trip to jail can bankrupt the average American and it’s entirely up to the discretion of a cop with a highschool education and nearly unlimited immunity.
Most people can’t even afford to pay bond to get out of jail, so they can lose everything they own. Certain places have “crime free housing” ordinances and the entire household can be evicted and blacklisted from renting in that town based solely on an arrest.
People didn’t realize that they are on the razors edge and fuck wads like this get to walk away with no consequences.