White Collar Advice · Blog
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One new post every day. Federal Sentencing, Prison Preparation, Supervised Release, and Life After. Read what applies to where you are right now. Then build something. Questions? Call or text us at 949-799-3277.
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Showing 1–12 of 802 articles
How Much Time Do You Serve on a 10-Year Federal Sentence?
Serving 10 years federal? Good time caps at 540 days, but RDAP, First Step Act credits, and halfway house time change the real date.
Justin Paperny
Oct 3, 2026
She Wanted Her Husband Out of Federal Prison Until He Was Home
Going to federal prison married? What you do inside decides what home looks like. Two stories from the same prison and what to consider first.
Justin Paperny
Oct 2, 2026
Going to Federal Prison Doesn't Automatically Make You an Expert
A retired prison guard asked to join my team. I've been to federal prison. I don't think either one, by itself, qualifies us to advise you. Questions to ask.
Justin Paperny
Oct 1, 2026
"I Think You're Trying to Guilt Me": Why a Doctor Who Paid Back Medicare Got More Time
A physician repaid Medicare and told the judge his wife was sick. The judge went above the guidelines. Justin Paperny explains what the doctor's story left out.
Justin Paperny
Sep 30, 2026
He Called 90 Minutes Before Federal Prison. He Just Wanted a Packing List.
A man called me 90 minutes before surrendering to the Fort Dix prison camp. He wanted a packing list. Here is what I told him to bring and what to leave home.
Justin Paperny
Sep 29, 2026
Her Husband Got 10 Years in Federal Prison. Her Father Offered Money With Two Conditions.
Her husband got 10 years in federal prison. She thought it would be two or three. When she asked her father for money, he set two conditions.
Justin Paperny
Sep 28, 2026
Why Comparing Your Case to Someone Else's Sentence Can Mislead You
Ippei Mizuhara got 57 months. Mathew Bowyer got a year and a day from the same judge. I attended the hearings. Here is how the two men responded.
Justin Paperny
Sep 25, 2026
How to Prepare for Federal Prison: He Has Four Children and Asked Me About the Weights
He has four kids and a four-year sentence. He asked about prison weights. How to prepare for federal prison and the life that waits after it.
Justin Paperny
Sep 24, 2026
How to Disclose a Felony Conviction After Serving Time for PPP Fraud
A former accountant who served 15 months for PPP fraud asked me twice how to disclose his felony to employers. Here is what I told him both times.
Justin Paperny
Sep 24, 2026
Why “I Made a Mistake” Fails at Federal Sentencing
Sam Harris’s Free Will pushed me to reconsider how defendants explain criminal conduct, show remorse, and build a record before sentencing.
Justin Paperny
Sep 23, 2026
A Journalist Asked If Sentencing Advocacy Is Manipulation
A journalist asked if helping federal defendants prepare for sentencing is manipulation. I looked the word up, then went through everyone in the courtroom.
Justin Paperny
Sep 22, 2026
His Lawyer Said the Judge Doesn't Go Below the Guidelines. So Why Prepare?
A defendant opened our call with "I'm not buying what you're selling." His lawyer told him the judge doesn't depart from the guidelines. Here is what I asked him next.
Justin Paperny
Sep 21, 2026
My Son Asked If I Was Happy I Went to Prison
My young son said federal prison seemed kind of fun. Here is what I told him, and how I talk about Taft with my kids without glorifying it or lying about it.
Justin Paperny
Sep 18, 2026
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