How to Avoid George Santos’ Sentencing Mistake
Seventeen years after I was sentenced to federal prison, I still remember the pressure of that courtroom. You rehearse your statement a […]
17 Years Later: The Sentencing Trap I Still See Every Week
Seventeen years ago, I surrendered to federal prison.I still remember the weight of it—the uncertainty, the shame, the questions I couldn’t answer. […]
How Matthew Boyer Faced Federal Charges Without Losing His Life
I’m writing this from Dana Point, California, where I just celebrated the 50th birthday of my friend and former client, Matthew Boyer. […]
This Is How You Talk Your Way Into a Longer Federal Sentence
Monday, after walking 18 holes at Spyglass in Pebble Beach, I took a call from someone who said he wanted help. Within […]
Get a Better Outcome Before, During, and After Sentencing
On May 6th, Michael Santos led a live webinar to walk people through exactly how to use the free materials at PrisonProfessors.org. […]
When the State Walked Away from Reentry, We Didn’t
A few days ago, my partner Michael Santos got a message from the California Department of Corrections. It wasn’t a surprise—but it […]
Why I Turned Down $5K for Gossip About Elizabeth Holmes in Prison
Let me tell you about a message I got recently. Someone who served time with Elizabeth Holmes at the federal prison camp […]
Why Denial Keeps You Stuck—and What Owning It Set Me Free
A few weeks ago, I played golf with an old friend and former client of mine—a guy I’ve known for years. He […]
What One Doctor Got Right—And What Most Defendants Miss
A physician on the East Coast recently reached out to me. He had pled guilty to tax charges and was preparing for […]
What Judges Want to Hear—and What You Keep Getting Wrong
Over the years, I’ve heard every kind of sentencing pitch you can imagine.. Some are short and procedural. Others drag on, filled […]
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 […]