do you think that everybody who is present at the circle has a sincere reason for being there ? do you think that there are people who don't want to be there?

I think Cole isn't very sincere in his first time at the circle. He is looking for an easy way out and hopes to "say the right things" to get away without jail time. Cole's father isn't interested in taking responsibility for his part in Cole's upbringing. Cole's mother is fighting her own demons and is unable to fully participate in the circle.