White Collar Advice Blog

Why Will a Federal Judge Be More Inclined to Listen If They See Their Own Values in You?
(Click the Play button to listen to the whole podcast) Data suggests people are more likely to help you if they recognize

Why Creating Assets Before Sentencing Can Influence Judges, Probation Officers, and the BOP
“What the hell do you mean, create assets that donβt exist? My lawyer has no clue either.β I received this message on

Preparing for Federal Prison Release: The U-Shaped Curve and the 1,000 Minute Rule
Why Do Your 1,000 Minutes Decide Whether You Climb Out of the Uβor Stay Stuck at the Bottom? On April 28, 2008,

Lessons from Matthew Bowyerβs Sentencing
Iβve been to more than 1,500 sentencing hearings since 2009, and I still get nervous at every one. Friday was no different.
How to Write a Federal Sentencing Narrative and Release Plan That Judges Respect
If you are in a federal case, the government already controls the story. Your only chance to influence probation, prosecutors, and the

Dignity In Prison: The Men I Admired
A New Morning Habit Iβve been testing myself to start each morning differently. For years, my habit was automatic: get up, head
The White Collar Advice blog helps people under investigation or facing federal sentencing understand the system, avoid mistakes that lead to longer sentences or tougher prison placements, and prepare for prison and reentry.
People under federal investigation, facing sentencing, or preparing for prison who want to build a documented record that shows they are different from the governmentβs one-sided version of events. Family members who want to understand the process and help a loved one prepare should read it too.
Yes. The blog is based on the combined experience of our team at White Collar Advice, including my time in the system, Michael Santosβs 26 years in federal prison, and the work we’ve done with thousands of people going through investigations, sentencing, and reentry. Everything comes from what weβve seen and documented over many years.
These blogs teach you how to create assets that do not currently exist to influence cynical stakeholders, like a Federal Judge or Probation Officer.