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 […]
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 […]