I spoke with someone in federal prison who told me, “I thought my lawyer would handle everything. I just showed up to sentencing. Looking back, I wish I’d done more. It haunts me every day.”
That regret isn’t uncommon. Too many people leave their sentencing hearing wishing they had taken preparation seriously. They realize too late that they could have done more to show the judge who they really are and what they’ve done to make things right.
Why Preparation Matters
You only get one shot at sentencing. It’s not just about what your lawyer says—it’s about you. Showing the judge that you accept responsibility and are working to fix what went wrong can lead to shorter prison sentences and more liberty after sentencing.
But it’s not just about getting the shortest sentence; it’s about being able to live with yourself afterward, knowing you did everything you could. That’s where dignity comes in. Judge Benita Pearson once said, “A defendant should leave my courtroom exhausted because they’ve worked day and night to prepare.”
What Real Preparation Looks Like
- Tell Your Story
Own what you did. Be honest about the choices you made, the harm caused, and what led you there. Judges respect the truth more than excuses. - Focus on the Victims
Think about the people impacted by your actions. Acknowledge their pain. What are your plans to make them whole? - Prove You’ll Never Return to Another Courtroom
Talk is cheap. You need to do something. Whether it’s counseling, education, or fixing broken relationships, judges want to see actions, not promises. - Prepare for the Pre-Sentencing Interview
This interview matters. Prepare. Your probation officer will recommened how long you serve in prison. (Watch this short clip with Dr. Phil to learn more).
No Regrets
If you take sentencing seriously, you won’t walk away wondering, What if? You’ll know you put in the work. That matters—because the regret of doing nothing stays with you far longer than the hearing itself.
I’ve attached a short video to explain more. Call us anytime at 310-940-9087 or join our weekly webinar. Register Here.
Best,
Justin Paperny
