“I don’t want to spend the rest of my life deciding which objects deserve punishment,” she told me.

I understood.

Negotiations in the criminal cases were slower and more difficult than the words plea deal had made me expect.

Prosecutors had to evaluate the evidence, the charges, and the proposed terms.

Defense counsel challenged parts of the case.

The judges were responsible for determining whether pleas could be accepted and what sentences would follow.

No prosecutor promised me a particular number because I was angry.

No agent offered Hannah a sentence in exchange for her gratitude.