Stanley B.’s 

Background 

Born in 1978, Stanley grew up in and around Atlanta, Georgia. His mother taught him that a hard work ethic and strong moral compass were key to living a good life. Stanley regularlyattended church with his mother and grandmother. He also endured multiple violent and traumatic experiences, especially witnessing his best friend be shot and killed. Starting at age thirteen, Stanley worked anywhere he could to earn money and contribute tohis family’s needs. Later, he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in International Business and Economics at the University of Florida. Simultaneously, he recorded and performed his own music. A legendary record producer discovered Stanley’s talent. In Summer 2005, Stanley joined a blockbuster music tour to perform in football stadiums, at Madison Square Garden, and on a Showtime Special. Stanley went on to write, produce, and manage young artists through his own successful company. Then, in 2011, he started purchasing discount airline tickets through a third-party broker. After his federal case began, Stanley learned that this broker used stolen frequent flyer
miles to acquire these tickets. Stanley later pled guilty to participating in a conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

Working with White Collar Advice

Stanley had never been arrested before this case. After spending twenty-four hours in jail, he immediately found the White Collar Advice content online. “Justin Paperny’s videos were honest and genuine. I related to him and trusted the information. He reminded me of myself—neither of us belonged in jail,” Stanley explained.
Stanley consulted with the WCA team throughout his stressful journey through the system. “The WCA team truly understands this process inside and out. They told me what to expect and what to prepare for. When my lawyer was fumbling the ball, I knew what to say and what not to say. Justin’s advice made all the difference.”
Stanley drafted his own narrative then worked with the WCA to create the final document. “It was amazing to collaborate on the narrative. Brad asked me important questions and arranged it in a way I would never have thought of. It was an incredible experience from beginning to end,” said Stanley.

Outcome

Stanley’s key moments came before the sentencing hearing. He did his research and encouraged his lawyer to negotiate for the best possible plea agreement. The government eventually reduced their final recommendation from eighteen months to probation. At the sentencing hearing, the judge still had the option of handing down a five-year jail term. She told Stanley that she’d read his narrative and character reference letters. Stanley remembered what the judge said: “She told me I didn’t belong in a courtroom. She said that she didn’t want to give me anything, but that she had to give me one year’s probation. It was so good to hear.”

Analysis

Stanley took his case seriously and did everything he could to get the best possible outcome. The WCA team members shared their knowledge and experience as Stanley made key decisions. Stanley followed WCA’s suggestions and worked hard to produce his personal narrative. “The stress was the worst part by far. My lawyer did not give me the peace of mind that the WCA team did,” Stanley noted. “I told Justin he should’ve charged me more. White Collar Advice is the best.” Today, Stanley mentors young people, including the artists he manages. He tells them about how he failed to do proper due diligence before buying tickets from a third-party broker. Stanley shares his experiences to help other people avoid his mistakes: “That 24 hours in jail scared me. I don’t even jaywalk anymore. I stand there until it says ‘walk’!”