> Why would they have to fear being convicted if they don't actually hold any incriminating evidence?
Because going to court is extremely expensive?
Because retaining legal council is extremely expensive?
Because your district attorney will likely inflate the charges to coerce you into taking a plea deal, despite your innocence?
Because you don't want all of your private documents, including ones completely unrelated to the alleged crime, entered into the court records?
Because a "jury of your peers" can be convinced to believe just about anything?
Because even if you're acquitted, most people will still believe you're guilty, and treat you as such?
There are a myriad of reasons one shouldn't let the police go on mass criminal fishing expeditions. A lot of innocent people take collateral damage as a direct result of the incentives involved in an adversarial justice system.
Because we know that the US justice system is horribly corrupt and inept and don't care if they get it right, as long as they get a win.
Because a case like this, you'll be paying a lot of bail just for the privilege of defending yourself properly. (Might have to sell/mortgage your house, or your mother's house).
Because you will probably make the news, and the false accusation will be on the internet forever.
Because you will probably get the living shit beat out of you by the arresting police.
Because you will probably get the living shit beat out of you by your fellow inmates.
Because the incompetent people who charged you can't be sued due to qualified immunity, so no skin off their back.
Because your family will have a lot of stress on it and this will affect your spouse, children, siblings and parents in a very negative way, probably for the rest of their lives.
Because you've lost your job in the process.
Because you'll probably never get a decent job again.
Because you'll probably need a lot of psychological counseling assuming you survive this process.
Because going to court is extremely expensive?
Because retaining legal council is extremely expensive?
Because your district attorney will likely inflate the charges to coerce you into taking a plea deal, despite your innocence?
Because you don't want all of your private documents, including ones completely unrelated to the alleged crime, entered into the court records?
Because a "jury of your peers" can be convinced to believe just about anything?
Because even if you're acquitted, most people will still believe you're guilty, and treat you as such?
There are a myriad of reasons one shouldn't let the police go on mass criminal fishing expeditions. A lot of innocent people take collateral damage as a direct result of the incentives involved in an adversarial justice system.