I don't know the U.S. justice system really well, but from the e-mail it seems E. Schmidt was aware of the illegality of their actions, being worried about bein

I don't know the U.S. justice system really well, but from the e-mail it seems E. Schmidt was aware of the illegality of their actions, being worried about being sued and a paper trail. Doesn't that make this an 'aware' and 'intentional' crime, therefore the only resolution would be for him to go to prison for some time? Is it really possible for someone to settle their way out of this with a general prosecutor?