If they agreed to it - it would be in the document. Instead it says: > This Office cannot, and does not, make any promise of representation as to what sentenc

If they agreed to it - it would be in the document. Instead it says: > This Office cannot, and does not, make any promise of representation as to what sentence the defendant wil receive, and will not recommend any specific sentence to the Court. That's not in every federal plea agreement. If there was a deal done for sentencing guidance, it would be there to read. A common one is something like "Acceptance of Responsibility", where parties to the agreement say that because of their cooperation, the government will provide evidence to the court to help meet a reduction via the sentencing guidelines. I would accept this deal if I were Caroline Ellison because the alternative of being found guilty would give me a much harsher sentence. Pleading guilty, admitting your involvement in the crime, and making restitutions are parts of the sentencing guidelines. Everyone has access to these - you don't need a deal to get them. You plead guilty - you get a lesser sentence. That's why she (and I would too) did it.