A Kansas woman accused of trying to hire someone to murder her husband could avoid going to trial. Prosecutors reportedly are ready to offer Dorothy Clinkingbeard a plea deal, which we're told is her husbands idea.

Clinkingbeard waived her right to a preliminary hearing on Thursday. That will allow her to enter into a plea agreement with the state. She was charged last month with one count of solicitation to commit premeditated first degree murder.

"The parties have reached a negotiation whereby the defendant will enter a plea to an amended charge of solicitation to commit second degree murder," explained Morton County Attorney Eric Witcher in court Thursday.

Witcher says the plea was offered to Clinkingbeard at the urging of her husband Robert, whom the KBI and Morton County authorities say was her intended target. He says taking the plea will save Clinkingbeard about a year of jail time.

District Judge Roseanna Volden explained to Clinkingbeard that she still will face 38-172 months in prison is she's convicted of the lesser charge. She could also be fined up to $300,000.

Clinkingbeard's arraignment is scheduled for April 8th.