Chapter 17 - Diane’s plea negotiations
The prosecution considered multiple charges.
The most serious theory related to child endangerment involving dangerous restraint around the neck.
No attempted murder.
No torture charge.
No kidnapping.
No lurid overcharging to satisfy relatives.
Diane’s counsel emphasized:
No serious physical injury.
No intent to cause lasting harm.
No prior criminal record.
Her age.
Her cooperation after warrant.
The prosecution emphasized:
Repeated confinement.
Escalation.
Use of a chain.
Child’s young age.
Concealment from parent.
Recorded intimidation.
The case did not resolve quickly.
Nine months.
Then eleven.
Diane initially wanted trial.
She insisted:
“I was disciplining her.”
Her attorney apparently told her that sentence would not age well in front of a jury.
Eventually she began therapy.
Not court-ordered yet.
May you like
Voluntary under advice.
That mattered later.
