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Peter Hardin, Defense Attorney, Former Judge Advocate in the U.S. Marine Corps and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney
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- Casey Crowther

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Tap into our Proprietary Ecosystem for the Most Effective Methods of Preparing for Sentencing, Prison, and Beyond.

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Defendants Helped

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Prison Talent Profiles

500

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How We Help

Crisis Management Every Step of the Way

Pre-Sentencing

We provide comprehensive support through every phase of a government investigation. From initial inquiries to formal charges, our guidance helps you demonstrate why you are a candidate for reduced charges or a shorter sentence.

  • Personalized Case Strategy
  • Sentencing Mitigation
  • Documentation and Evidence Preparation, Including Timelines
  • Working with Lawyers
  • Prison Professors Charity
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Post-Sentencing​

We will never ask you to do what we haven’t done. Our team helps you prepare for prison, thrive during your sentence, and build a record that shows why you’re a candidate for early release and more freedom after prison.

  • Personalized Release Plans
  • Early Release Strategies: First Step Act and RDAP
  • Prison Professors Talent
  • Halfway House and Supervised Release Prep
  • Reputation Building
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Reputation

Rebuilding requires owning your past and creating a new record. Don’t suppress bad reviews or press releases. We help rebuild through social media, content creation, and volunteering. Show your value authentically. We don’t buy followers.

  • Content Creation
  • Authentic Social Media Campaigns
  • Proven Strategies
  • Comprehensive Support
  • Prison Professors Charitable Corporation
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Prepare

Prepare offers 28 essential chapters to navigate a government investigation, focusing on strategic responses, mitigation, and long-term success. Gain insights from real-world cases and expert advice to minimize prison time and thrive after prison. Start reading now!

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Need help hiring or replacing your current lawyer? Our TopWCA directory features up to five top lawyers per district, each dedicated to exceptional results and effective mitigation strategies.

White Collar Advice is a must use service. They help our clients through every crucial step of the judicial process.

Benson Varghese, Attorney at Varghese Summersett

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Testimonials
Client Reviews
4.9 Over 141 Reviews
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Bruce 6 days ago
When I first started my journey as a defendant I had no idea what to expect and, more importantly, what I could do to take charge of my own advocacy. While I had excellent legal representation, I was clueless as to the many ways and opportunities I had to improve my chances with my Judge. Fortunately, in my research, I stumbled upon WCA. This organization opened my eyes to the options I had to improve my situation and outcome. During the four years since pleading guilty, thanks to WCA, I took control of vital communications needed to make a difference in how the DOJ and my Judge would decide my fate. The volume and quality of the reading material and videos offered vital knowledge and help - gave me the confidence to take action which I did with great success. Thank you, Justin Paperny
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Tracii Hutsona 6 days ago
Many justice impacted people find ourselves lost in a bureaucracy we don’t understand, and don’t even know where to start.
After spending two plus years on pre-trial probation, I was sentenced to 51 months
in federal prison Thanks to a very zealous victim with her own legal team presenting
A “victim impact statement” on her behalf, my sentence was above the guidelines I plead
to. Reality set in. I reached out to Justin Paperny for advice. Working through my new reality with Justin Paperny and Michael Santos was the best thing I could've ever done.
They put me in touch with others who had just come out of my situation. I spoke with Forrest who had some great advice and encouragement. I spoke with Matthew, who was on home confinement at the time, after doing 17 months on a 51 month sentence just like mine. I listened to their stories and absorbed their guidance. Their team took the time to get to know me and my case- never treating me like a boiler plate pre-surrender. They made sure that I understood the nuances and the differences between the BOP & what the court and my lawyer were telling me. I learned what to expect when I hit the prison, so that I would be able to navigate efficiently and at once start receiving FSA credits, After a thorough interview, white collar advice helped me put together a release plan that I was able to use as an accountability guide throughout my journey. Not only did this release plan go to my family and friends, I posted it on my blog. When I met with unit team after surrendering, I shared this with my case manager. She was receptive and suggested that I share the information with the other inmates. I begin teaching classes, and together a large group of us were writing, updating, following our release plans, reading, writing book reports, blogs, journaling, and documenting our journey.
Michael sent daily newsletters through prison professors, which helped me to stay focused and informed throughout my time in prison. This helped me immensely when I filed for a sentence reduction after one year of working hard, volunteering, teaching and mentoring, and documenting. The judge saw what I was doing, which speaks in volumes more than words in a petition.
Not only was I granted a sentence reduction by the court (the judge specifically recognized the work I had done and documented), I also was able to show my case manager and camp administrator that I was worthy of the full benefits that second chance and first step acts offered.
Initially, I had hoped to participate in RDAP, which would allow for up to one year off of my sentence. I was not able to participate in RDAP because of staff shortages and an influx of female prisoners coming from another institution which was shut down in California.
Without RDAP, I received an 11 month sentence reduction, one year of RRC (halfway/home confinement), and I continue to receive FSA credits. I am so grateful, and happy to share my story with others, with hope that together we can make some changes.


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BMB 3 weeks ago
I simply had no idea what to do. How does one tackle that unbelievable fact that your facing imprisonment in days, and for years, with quite literally no guidance from anyone including your own attorney. With a family and children and no input as to how to prepare, I launched into the abyss that is the internet. I found Prison Professors and was flooded with so much free information that now I was worried I was too late to prepare and behind the ball. This led me to my saving grace, White Collar Advice. Scotty picks up and says what I needed to here, “believe it or not, your actually ahead of the game compared to most”. I couldn’t believe it. With a direct call from Justin, I was launched into all the preparations needed with multiple people on deck to make things happen. Scotty and Justin were thoughtfully on the wire, anytime I needed answers to my questions. Then came more powerhouses, both Forrest and Joseph who combined forces to share their most personal experiences with the system and key advice in preparing for the journey. Forrest, was unbelievably patient and thorough in preparing a plan for release and statements. Joseph, like few others was willing to hear about all my concerns and shared his experiences to put me at ease. I can’t thank White Collar Advice and these guys enough. I’m now only a couple hours from surrendering, with a clear understanding that my family and I will be fine, and that we’ll get through this journey like the family ready to work the problems forthcoming. My deepest appreciation to you all.
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Jody 4 weeks ago
I have found the entire experience with White Collar Advice to be professional, compassionate and extremely informative. Justin P. has been great and on top of everything in regards to what I needed to get done and alleviating my fears. He also introduced me to Joseph De Gregorio, who I have to admit was exceptional. From the moment we spoke and beyond, he has continued to go out of his way to make sure I knew exactly the process from preparing for self surrender to what I needed to know step by step once I was inside.
I am self surrendering and of course, I am nervous but I do feel prepared to tackle this journey.
Thank you White Collar Advice!
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IA 4 weeks ago
I hired White Collar Advice for an ongoing criminal case. The people, material, and response time are fantastic. I spoke with Joseph DeGregorio for more than an hour regarding Pre-Sentencing Interview. Joseph is an expert. He is a consummate professional. He also makes me feel I am not alone in facing this case. I highly recommend Joseph DeGregorio and this firm. I wish I had hired White Collar Advice and spoke to Joseph earlier.
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Vic 1 month ago
Joseph and the rest of the team have been amazing to work with and have given me resolve, strength but most of all the knowledge I believe I will need to survive. The attention to detail and support Joseph provides is an absolute life saver. I wish I had met him sooner.
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Supporting Justice Impacted

White Collar Advice proudly supports the Prison Professors Charitable Corporation (PPCC). PPCC partners with federal and state prison systems, impacting the lives of more than 1 million people annually by helping them prepare for employment and success upon release.

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Implement Our Strategies Now

Don’t just watch our videos—immediately implement our ideas and strategies. Learn from Federal Judges, Wardens, Probation Officers, and our YouTube content.

In this video, I discuss why Tina Peters received a nine-year sentence instead of the three years she could have gotten, even though she was convicted at trial. It’s important to understand that even after being found guilty, you can still mitigate and make a case for leniency—without necessarily accepting full responsibility. To do this effectively, you need to understand the perspectives of the government stakeholders involved, including the judge and prosecutors, and show why you're a candidate for leniency. Unfortunately, in Tina's case, her continued defiance and refusal to engage in meaningful mitigation led to a harsher sentence. In this video, I break down the importance of strategic mitigation and how failing to consider the government's viewpoint can result in a significantly longer prison sentence. Justin Paperny jp@whitecollaradvice.com - 818-424-2220 Visit https://www.whitecollaradvice.com to access our federal prison blogs https://www.youtube.com/user/FederalPrisonAdvice https://twitter.com/JustinPaperny
Tina Peters: From Three Years In Prison to Nine—What Went Wrong?
"Are you available to speak?" The text came five weeks after a client first retained our services. Despite knowing how critical it is to prepare, he had gone dark. Several team members reached out, but there was no response. Then one day, he texted me back, and we finally had the conversation that should’ve happened much sooner. I understand why some people retreat when facing a government investigation. I did the same thing during my case—ignoring calls, avoiding family, and isolating myself. It’s an instinct, but it’s also a mistake. Waiting too long can make a difficult situation worse. During our conversation, the client opened up about why he struggled to start. He had read Earning Freedom by Michael Santos and was struck by how Michael spent 26 years in prison without any guarantees his work would lead to an early release. This hit home for my client—he worried that his effort might not make a difference in the end. I told him that uncertainty is part of the process. Michael didn’t focus on outcomes—he focused on how he lived each day, with integrity and discipline. He wasn’t obsessed with immediate results, and that’s something we can all learn from. When you focus on the daily steps and actions, the results tend to follow. We also talked about the weight of shame. My client felt like he had let everyone down—his family, friends, and colleagues. He was consumed by guilt, and that guilt was keeping him from moving forward. I told him that while it’s important to acknowledge the past, it can’t be the thing that holds you back. Many clients fear starting over, especially if they were successful before their case. The thought of going from a high-paying job to nothing is overwhelming. But the sooner you start preparing, the better equipped you’ll be to deal with these challenges. Preparation isn’t just about getting a shorter federal prison sentence—it’s about building the resilience and mindset you’ll need for the long haul. In the end, it’s about showing up every day. You can say you’re going to do the work, but if you don’t build the habits and follow through, nothing changes. I told my client that we’ll see if he’s ready to do the work. We’ll see if he makes the calls, sends the emails, and reconnects with the people he’s been avoiding. Real preparation requires consistent action, and the earlier you start, the better the outcome, not just at sentencing, but for the rest of your life. Justin Paperny jp@whitecollaradvice.com - 818-424-2220 Visit https://www.whitecollaradvice.com to access our federal prison blogs https://www.youtube.com/user/FederalPrisonAdvice https://twitter.com/JustinPaperny
Delay is Your Enemy: Act Quickly During a Federal Investigation
Recently, during an interview, the reporter caught me off guard by asking what is was like being an an introvert in federal prison. I wasn’t expecting that, but it got me thinking about how being an introvert affected my time in federal prison. I’d read Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain years ago, and while I had shared some parts with my wife to explain my own behavior, I hadn’t really applied those lessons to my prison experience—until that question came up. I realized then that this is something many people wonder about, primarily if they identify as introverts and are heading to federal prison or dealing with a government investigation. Addressing Fears and Misconceptions of Introverts in Federal Prison First, let me clear up some common fears. If you’re worried about violence or gangs in a minimum-security camp, you’re not going to find that. It’s nothing like the sensationalized images in the media. You won’t encounter gangs, and if you stay out of trouble and don’t act foolishly, you won’t find yourself in confrontations either. For introverts, one of the bigger concerns might be the social pressures. You’re surrounded by hundreds of people with no privacy, which can feel overwhelming. But in reality, you can find plenty of solitude, even in prison, if you know where to look and are willing to make smart choices. Avoiding Chaotic Environments Introverts tend to avoid chaotic environments, and prison has plenty of those if you’re not careful. I stayed away from gambling and competitive sports like softball, volleyball, or soccer, where guys took things too seriously, and tempers flared. I ran on the dusty track because I could exercise without the risk of injury, which is crucial in prison because medical care is awful. Solitude Can Be a Strength In Federal Prison Here’s some good news for introverts: you will find solitude in prison. It may not be the kind of solitude you’re used to, but it’s there. For me, it was behind the racquetball court or in my cubicle when my bunkmate was out. I’d spend hours reading, writing, and reflecting. Being alone gave me the time to plan for my release and think about what I wanted to do with my life after prison. As an introvert, you’re less likely to be swayed by groupthink. In prison, that’s important because you’ll hear guys say, “Why are you writing a release plan? Your case manager isn’t going to read it.” Ignore that noise. I had the confidence to make and stick to my own decisions because I didn’t need to follow the crowd to feel validated. Making the Most of Boredom In Federal Prison Boredom is the biggest challenge in prison, not violence. You’ll see guys take pointless jobs or waste time watching TV just to feel busy. But introverts have the advantage here—you can turn solitude into something productive. For me, that meant writing, reflecting, and preparing for my release. It wasn’t easy, and there were days when I wasted time. But the key is using your time alone to build something valuable, like a release plan. Being Judged Doesn’t Matter Some people thought I was standoffish or aloof because I didn’t join in on the sports or socializing. I didn’t care. I was focused on getting home stronger, with a plan to rebuild my life and pay back my victims. If you’re an introvert, don’t worry about what others think. As long as you’re respectful and doing your best, that’s all that matters. In fact, the more people judged me, the more I knew I was on the right path. Finding Meaningful Connections Just because you’re an introvert doesn’t mean you won’t find meaningful relationships in prison. I connected deeply with a few people, like Michael Santos and Andrew Altchek, who shared my values. We didn’t need large social circles; we had real conversations that helped us grow. Stay True to Yourself if You Are An Introvert In Federal Prison The biggest lesson I took from all of this is that being authentic is crucial, especially in prison. Don’t change who you are to fit in or meet societal expectations. The more I embraced who I really was, the more successful I became—both in prison and after. As an introvert, you have strengths that will help you navigate this experience, like being a good listener, thinking independently, and using your solitude productively. If you’re heading to federal prison as an introvert, don’t worry. You’ll find the quiet spaces, the time to think, and the opportunity to reflect. You’ll emerge stronger if you use your time wisely. I’m grateful that you’re part of this community, and I hope these insights help you prepare for what’s ahead. Justin Paperny
My Journey As An Introvert In Federal Prison
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