Another reason why multiple charges are loaded on defendents is to intimidate them into accepting a plea bargain. In a typical bust out here in rural Arizona, a perp will be arrested for carrying salable quantities of drugs, which is a major felony. They'll also charge him with "possession of narcotics," "possession of drug paraphernalia," "transporting prohibited substances," and if he's the typically stupid perp, "possession of a firearm by a prohibited person" and "driving on a suspended license." The DA will tell the perp that he's looking at decades in prison if they prosecute on all charges. But if he agrees to plead guilty to possession with intent to sell, they'll drop the others and ask for less than ten years.