It’s the way we treat those we like the least (and are vulnerable) that defines our character, IMHO.

The justice system has many flaws including incompetence and corruption, they don't always get it right.

Assuming the parent poster's guilt is fair, but god help you if the system ever gets turned against you.

"show me the man and I'll show you the crime"

Maybe read Humankind by Rutger Bregman? There are either ways than the super harsh, sometimes commercial US prison system. There are also “crimes” that really shouldn’t be crimes.