White Collar Advice Blog
First Step Act Time Credits: Complete Guide to Earning Early Release
The First Step Act allows eligible federal prisoners to earn time credits toward early release by participating in evidence-based recidivism reduction programs
Before, During, and After a Sentencing Hearing | Chapter 9
Summary of the Sentencing Hearing Process This chapter explains what happens before, during, and after a sentencing hearing, including how judges evaluate
14 Sentencing Mistakes That Add Years to Your Sentence
When I walked into my first federal sentencing hearing in 2009, I thought I was watching a one-off. Instead, I watched a
Examples of Problems in the PSR | Chapter 8
Summary of Common Problems in the PSR and How to Avoid Them This chapter explains why the PSR becomes the primary document
What to Know About the Pre-Sentence Investigation Report | Chapter 7
Summary of Key Points About the Pre-sentence Investigation Report This chapter explains how the Pre-sentence Investigation Report is prepared, how probation officers
Federal Sentencing Preparation | 12-2-25
Why Federal Sentencing Preparation Matters Most people under investigation wait. They wait for discovery. They wait for updates. They wait for their
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.