White Collar Advice Blog
How to Use Your Time in Federal Prison—Or Waste It
When someone is preparing to surrender to federal prison, the emotions are raw. Fear. Shame. Uncertainty. Most people feel overwhelmed—and that feeling
Pressure. Rationalization. Opportunity.
I received a call last week from someone recently convicted at trial. He was filled with regret—not just because of the outcome,
How Judges Use the PSR to Decide Your Fate
The PSR is the Most Important Document in Sentencing The judge makes a final decision, but the PSR provides the foundation. Judges
If You’re In Federal Prison, Own It.
The first and most important step in getting through federal prison isn’t finding the right bunk or figuring out what to do
10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before the PSI Interview
1. Have I created a personal narrative that explains—but doesn’t excuse—my conduct? Judges and probation officers want context only you can provide.
Should You Cooperate? Making the Toughest Decision in Your Case
Cooperation sounds straightforward. Help the government, get a lighter federal prison sentence. That’s the message many defendants hear early in their case.
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.