12Steps - White Collar Advice

5 Common Mistakes Defendants Make in Federal Investigations

The Most Common Mistakes Defendants Make in a Federal Investigation When federal agents show up, every choice you make matters. Most defendants […]

Justin Paperny22 August 20253 min read

I Was A Hypocrite in Federal Prison

Around 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, there was mail call in federal prison. I walked from my cubicle to the front of […]

Justin Paperny11 August 20258 min read

Federal Sentencing Isn’t Fair—But This Is How You Influence It Anyway

“My lawyer says it makes sense, but nothing moves this judge. He’s a guideline guy.”“I made him watch it. I think he […]

Justin Paperny5 August 202511 min read

Sunny Boy: What Will You Do With the Gift Someone Gives You?

Our last webinar focused on persuasion: essentially, we must have trust from stakeholders before making a request. I’ve continued to study pre-suasion […]

Justin Paperny3 August 202510 min read

Pre-Suasion Is a Record You Build Long Before Sentencing and Federal Prison

Robert Cialdini’s Pre-Suasion: A Revolutionary Way to Influence and Persuade begins with a warning: If you wait until your moment of need […]

Justin Paperny29 July 20259 min read

Watching Vision Quest in Hawaii Brought Me Back to Federal Prison

I’ve been in Hawaii with my family since last Saturday. For years after I came home from prison, I didn’t travel unless […]

Justin Paperny27 July 20257 min read

Why Nietzsche Wrote for People Going To Federal Prison

“Who else you got?” a friend asked. “What do you mean?” I responded. “What other lessons can you share from dead philosophers?” […]

Justin Paperny24 July 20259 min read

George Santos: 5 Things He Must Avoid in Federal Prison

I spent time this week reviewing the sentencing, media tour, and public comments made by George Santos, who’s now facing 87 months […]

Justin Paperny17 July 20255 min read

How I Overcame Envy and Found My Why in Federal Prison

“I couldn’t walk in there and pretend. Or I could, but I would hate myself and loathe them even more.” That’s what […]

Justin Paperny14 July 20259 min read

Robert Greene And The Men Who Wait

A few days ago, I was hitting golf balls with my son when I got a text from someone I hadn’t spoken […]

Justin Paperny7 July 20255 min read

Action Solves Everything. But Can You Handle the Reaction?

“Did you read them?” a friend awaiting sentencing asked after sending me fifteen Rockefeller quotes last month. “Thank you for sending them. […]

Justin Paperny29 June 20258 min read

Dignity Intact: What Michael Santos Taught Me About the Long Game

Someone new to our community asked me,“I got six years. How long will I serve?”“I have no idea”, I told him.“I can make […]

Justin Paperny28 June 20254 min read

Category: 12Steps

5 Common Mistakes Defendants Make in Federal Investigations

Federal Sentencing Isn’t Fair—But This Is How You Influence It Anyway

Pre-Suasion Is a Record You Build Long Before Sentencing and Federal Prison

George Santos: 5 Things He Must Avoid in Federal Prison

Dignity Intact: What Michael Santos Taught Me About the Long Game

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