Why Tracii Hutsona Got a 9-Month Sentence Reduction and a Year in the Halfway House
Tracii Hutsona was sentenced to 51 months in federal prison. She didn’t expect that outcome. She didn’t like it. But she accepted […]
What Happens After a Federal Indictment?
If you’ve been indicted, you’re probably not sleeping well. You’re wondering how this happened, what’s next, and how bad it’s going to […]
How to Use Your Time in Federal Prison—Or Waste It
When someone is preparing to surrender to federal prison, the emotions are raw. Fear. Shame. Uncertainty. Most people feel overwhelmed—and that feeling […]
If You’re In Federal Prison, Own It.
The first and most important step in getting through federal prison isn’t finding the right bunk or figuring out what to do […]
10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before the PSI Interview
1. Have I created a personal narrative that explains—but doesn’t excuse—my conduct? Judges and probation officers want context only you can provide. […]
Should You Cooperate? Making the Toughest Decision in Your Case
Cooperation sounds straightforward. Help the government, get a lighter federal prison sentence. That’s the message many defendants hear early in their case. […]
The Emotional Toll of Cooperation—What It Costs You Beyond the Courtroom
If you’ve read the earlier blogs in this series, you know that cooperation in a white-collar case can reduce your sentence—sometimes significantly. […]
When Cooperation Backfires—A Cautionary Tale from My Own Case
I’ve written a lot about the potential benefits of cooperation—how a well-prepared defendant can earn a 5K1.1 motion, reduce their sentence, and […]
How David Moulder Avoided Federal Prison—Lessons from His Sentencing
David quickly realized that what most defendants do—what his lawyers were advising him to do—wasn’t enough. Most prisoners:❌ Trust their lawyer to […]
5K1.1 and Rule 35(b)—What Cooperation Actually Buys You at Sentencing
If you’ve been told that cooperation will “definitely” reduce your prison sentence, I encourage you to read this carefully to learn more […]
Why Boredom In Federal Prison Can Turn Dangerous Fast
Prison is about repetition—every day feels the same. You wake up, do your routine, and before you know it, the boredom starts […]