Chapter 13 - The Plea Deal
The reality of the county jail had rapidly eroded Julian’s polished exterior. Stripped of his tailored suits and isolated from his affluent social circles, he sat in a sterile consultation room across from his defense attorney, Arthur Sterling. Julian looked pale and exhausted, his hands trembling slightly as he reviewed the paperwork slid across the metal table.
"The District Attorney is offering a plea deal," Sterling explained, his tone completely devoid of its usual courtroom bravado. "If you plead guilty to the insurance fraud and child endangerment charges, they will cap the sentencing recommendation at three years. If we take this to a jury and lose, you are looking at a maximum of seven."
"Three years?" Julian choked out, his eyes wide. "Arthur, you said you could get this reduced to probation! I can't go to prison. You know the people I owe money to—they have guys on the inside. I won't survive three years!"
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Sterling sighed, rubbing his temples. "Julian, you shattered a heavy piece of furniture inches from a little girl to cover up a felony, and we have it all in high-definition video. There is no jury in this state that will give you probation. The DA knows they have a slam dunk, and they want to make an example of you."
Julian buried his face in his hands, a sob catching in his throat. For the first time in his privileged life, his family’s wealth could not buy his way out of the consequences. The walls were entirely closed in, and he was trapped.
