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 […]
Preparing for Medicare Fraud Charges: What Most Defendants Get Wrong
When I first got the call that federal agents were investigating me for securities violations, I felt my life collapse in real […]
The Sentencing Mistake I See Too Many Defendants Make
There’s a mistake I see over and over:Someone walks into a federal sentencing, stands in front of the judge, and says they’ve […]
Lessons From Prison: What Anyone Facing Employment Tax Crimes Must Understand
When I first heard about Dale Thrush—the Michigan businessman convicted of employment tax crimes and failure to file his income taxes—I had […]
Why Judges Don’t Trust Words—And What Actually Works at Sentencing
When most people think about federal sentencing, they imagine long letters from lawyers, emotional pleas from family, and a personal statement delivered […]
Stop Wasting Time on Healthcare Fraud Regret—Start Building
I’ve read a lot of sentencing stories over the years, but when I came across the one about Dehshid “David” Nourian—a pharmacist […]
Why Hope Fails in Court—and What Actually Works at Sentencing
A second chance. That’s what everyone wants when they’re standing in federal court. But wanting something in a courtroom doesn’t mean you’ve […]
What I Wish I Knew Before Facing Tax Fraud Charges
Getting Real About Tax Fraud Charges I’ve talked to thousands of people who were stunned when they first heard the words “tax […]
Why Judges Ignore Your Sentencing Narrative If Your Attitude Is Wrong
From the Desk of Justin Paperny I’ve read personal narratives that could move anyone to tears. I’ve seen ten, fifteen character letters […]