As I understand it, they don't need to ask permission, but they need to make an actual attempt at a diplomatic resolution before making the formal request. If that doesn't go to their liking, then they would speak to the judge.

It should have been a formality, because in all likelihood, the defense would have politely told the prosecutors to get fucked, but they really shouldn't have skipped that step.

This is what "justice" is for the rich. The rest of us would be serving time in double digits by now. They just get the judges in their pockets to pull strings.

It really depends on what these rules are