The motion hearing June 22, 2012- The plea offer

June 22, 2012

Over the objection of Mike Terpening's lawyer the Attorney General put on the record a plea deal offered to Terpening that would have seen him plead guilty to five counts of 4th degree criminal sexual conduct each carrying with it a maximum 2 year prison sentence. The offer by the Michigan Attorney General's office would have left sentencing up to the judge with Terpening facing a maximum 10 years in prison if the deal were accepted.

The plea deal would have necessarily impacted the Family Court case, as well, as the admission with guilt would surely have resulting in Michael Terpening losing his parental rights to his eight children, five of whom were adopted from the child welfare system.

In putting the plea offer into the record the Attorney General sets the stage to use the record to demand more prison time should Terpening be found guilty in the upcoming trial by showing his unwillingness to take responsibility or show remorse for his crimes.