When sentences are consecutive, it is harder for the prisoner to qualify for parole or probation, Fremgen said.

Lange was ordered to serve two years supervised probation after release.

Because the sentence of the court departed from the recommendations of the attorneys, Lange has 48 hours to reconsider accepting the plea deal. If she revokes the plea deal, a jury trial on the charges could be scheduled.

Fremgen said Lange used methamphetamine before noon on June 28 and then traveled by pickup truck to western Stutsman County. After traveling around, she drove into an isolated rural area.

“Her truck got stuck and she walked to a slough,” Fremgen said. “She stayed for a few days during which time the infant expired of starvation.”

Fremgen called the incident “a peculiar situation and the baby died of neglect.”

The baby’s body was found during the second day of a search of the region by law enforcement and first responders.

McCabe said the drugs in question were purchased by the baby’s father.

Jason Wilde, the baby’s father, testified by telephone that he had been hurt by her (Lange’s) actions and only purchased the drugs at her request.