The defense did not plead her out, BECAUSE it is her decision. There was a show with Geraldo and Baez where Baez said he could not say what his client would do. He got a tremendous amount of flack for that by other defense lawyers who said he should have said why should she plead she is completely innocent.
She is entitled to a defense and Baez saw this case and ran for it immediately. He knew it was going to be big. He also knows he is going to lose. So does Cheney - who said it was either life without parole or death - before he came on board.
Also, regarding her sentencing, I believe the jury will recommend lwop if the defense does its job. I don't think Perry would have a problem sentencing her to death if it were recommended. Remember when Baez wanted the cameras off in the jail when he visited and argued her rights were being violated and Judge Perry said that is not my department, it is the sheriff's and he does not think she has any rights - and he said it with a smile.
Also, regarding her theft charges if you read Shaeffer's opinion on how the defense blundered that one, it is extremely interesting. He says she never should have pled out and should have went to trial, but that because of such and such , the trial would have been after the murder trial and the jury never would have heard about the felony she FINALLY ADMITTED TO. So it is the lawyers who decided that one for her really.
She is never going to admit to this. Never, imo.