Dan got less time because of the difference in the charges. I really think if he had not retracted his confessions, admitted his guilt and at least pretended to be sorry that he may have gotten off with just probabtion. He did not fool the judge. As a matter of fact the judge called Dan's bluff and gave Dan another chance to change his plea to not guilty and go to trial, but Dan refused. No the girl will never be the same, but if Dan would at least take responsibility for his actions and be remorseful for what he has done, then his family could begin to heal...and so could Dan.