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 […]
How to Respond When You’re Facing Wire Fraud and Mail Fraud Charges
When I was under investigation for wire fraud, I did exactly what most people do at first—I panicked, isolated myself, and waited […]
How a Strong Sentencing Plan Can Reduce Your Federal Prison Time
When people come to me for help after getting charged in a federal case, one of the first things I hear is:“I […]
Building a Strong Mitigation Strategy: What Your Defense Should Stand For in Court
I’ve worked with clients at every stage of the federal criminal justice system—indictment, sentencing, prison, and post-release. One thing I can tell […]