White Collar Advice Blog
How to Write a Sentencing Statement That Doesn’t Sound Like a Script
I’ve been to too many sentencing hearings where someone stands up, reads their statement, and… nothing. The judge listens. The words are
The Janitor Who Tried
Last week, my daughter Alyssa asked me to watch America’s Got Talent with her. I told her: “Alyssa, I’d rather go back to prison
How to Respond to Kickback Schemes Charges—and Avoid the Mistakes That Make Things Worse
When I was indicted for securities fraud, I remember sitting in my lawyer’s office, nodding along while hearing terms I barely understood—“conspiracy,”
The Sentencing Mistake That Makes Judges Lose Trust
One of the biggest mistakes I see defendants make is waiting. They wait to take action.They wait for sentencing.They wait until they’re
What I’d Do If I Were Facing Healthcare Fraud Charges Today
When I was under federal investigation, I wanted a shortcut. I kept hoping something—anything—would spare me from prison. But all the hoping
Still Blaming the Government? You’re Not Ready for Sentencing
I’ve seen a lot of sentencing presentations fall flat. Not because the person wasn’t remorseful. Not because they weren’t scared. But because
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.