I was alone, watching Mission: Impossible. My wife and kids were off doing their thing, and I wasn’t invited. So I went to the theater by myself. I’ve liked Tom Cruise ever since All the Right Moves, and the latest installment was decent—probably only the second or third of the franchise I’ve actually seen.
Midway through the movie, I got a text from someone who had been following our content for a while. He said he’d spoken with Alec and Tatiana, and was considering working with us. But then came the question:
“What if I do all of this work—and it doesn’t lead to a shorter sentence?”
It’s not the first time I’ve been asked that. Probably won’t be the last. But it’s the wrong question. And it usually comes from people who are still trying to measure effort in terms of what they can get instead of what they can prove.
Why Preparation Isn’t Just About Time Off
Here’s what I told him, and what I’ll tell you:
If you invest time into rebuilding your credibility—by documenting what happened, who it hurt, and what you’re doing to change—and that doesn’t lead to a shorter sentence, it’s still worth it.
If you lose your job and show the court you’re actively building a track record in another field—even if the judge doesn’t shave off one day—you’ve still created a paper trail that matters. It’s not theory. Judges, probation officers, and prison staff do read the pre-sentencing report. They do notice who put in the work.
If you’re showing victims something beyond a rehearsed apology—something they can see in action, like a plan to repay restitution, community involvement, or work you’ve volunteered for—you’re not just “saying sorry,” you’re demonstrating it.
No one can promise leniency. But that doesn’t mean you don’t try.
What They Said to Michael in Year One of 26
My partner, Michael Santos, went to prison with a 45-year sentence and no guarantee of ever getting out early. He started working on himself the moment he got to prison. Not because it would win him favors—he knew it wouldn’t.
He was told repeatedly:
“You’re wasting your time. This won’t get you out one day earlier.”
But over the years, that same “pointless” work opened doors. He earned degrees. He built a record of productivity. He created a nonprofit that now educates and influences people across the country.
When he got out, no one had to guess whether he was serious. The work spoke for him.
Because of that track record, he got off probation a year after release—without even having to request it.
You’re Not Just Competing With the Government’s Facts
The government builds a case focused on what you did wrong. Your job is to provide a credible counterweight.
Not with excuses. Not with spin. With action.
Every call you make to explain your conduct.
Every letter you write that tells your story with specifics.
Every step you take to adjust your career path, own the damage, and show how you’re adapting.
That’s the work.
You may still get the sentence the government recommends. You may not cut a day. But the court will have something else to look at besides the indictment.
If You Do the Work and Nothing Changes—Something Still Changes
So if you’re the person who texted me during Mission: Impossible, or someone thinking the same thing:
If you do all of this—write your narrative, meet with professionals, volunteer, engage with victims, start fresh with your work history—and the judge still hands down the same sentence?
You’ve still done more than 90% of defendants.
You’ve built a record that follows you through sentencing, prison, supervised release, and back into your life.
And that’s what the people watching your case—judges, prosecutors, probation officers, prison staff—will remember. Not just who you were when you were charged, but what you did when it counted.
Ask Yourself This Before You Decide It’s Not Worth It
If doing the work doesn’t reduce your sentence—but it helps you show your probation officer that you’re not coasting…
If it doesn’t shorten prison time—but it helps your case manager consider a transfer or job program…
If it doesn’t earn a break in court—but helps you walk out with a paper trail of effort and change…
Why wouldn’t you do it anyway?
If you’re not sure where to start, or you’ve started and don’t know what’s working—join our next free webinar. It’s every Tuesday at 11AM Pacific / 2PM Eastern.
Or if you want to have a direct conversation, schedule a personal call.
We’ve been where you are. We know what counts. Let’s build a record that proves it.
Justin Paperny
