It certainly is not a new or rare occurrence to be arrested for a "thought crime"

They can merely call it "Conspiracy to commit ___________" and give someone nearly the same punishment as if they had committed the crime.

Another criticism of the show is that they do not allow the offenders time to change their minds. Perhaps many men would get there and think "Do I really want to throw my life and my family, career, everything away for this.... is it worth it?" Some might have changed their minds.