White Collar Advice Blog
Study Yourself First: Why Montaigne Belongs in Federal Prison Camp
In the first blog in this series, I shared why Montaigne’s advice—“Don’t worry about death”—helped me understand something most people don’t realize
Why Most People Will Miss the Home Confinement Window—Even if They Qualify
Tracii Hutsona didn’t assume credits would be enough. When she was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison—more than her guideline range—she
Don’t Worry About Prison: Montaigne’s Guide to Mastering Time in a Federal Camp
One of my favorite books is How to Live: Or A Life of Montaigne by Sarah Bakewell. It doesn’t read like one
Think You Deserve Early Release? Prove It With This
I stood outside a case manager’s office years ago watching a guy plead his case. He said the same thing I’ve heard
FBI to Defendants: Cooperation Is Not Enough
Cooperation Alone Won’t Keep You Out of Prison Three years ago, this defendant signed his plea agreement and agreed to cooperate. He
Why the BOP Memo on Home Confinement Won’t Help If You’re Not Prepared
In 2008, in a quiet room at Taft Federal Prison Camp, I learned more about Michael’s journey. He had written books, completed
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 government’s 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 Santos’s 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 we’ve 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.