Why Refusing a Job Before Sentencing Can Hurt You in Court
When I was first indicted, I didn’t think I’d done anything that wrong. Sure, mistakes were made—but prison? No way. I didn’t […]
How to Get Out of Federal Prison Early
An executive in the Midwest indicted for mail fraud—texted me: “How do you get out of federal prison early?” I told him […]
How One Letter Triggered Government Collection After Prison
I still laugh when I think of Back to School with Rodney Dangerfield. My dad, my brother, and I used to quote […]
Preparing for Sentencing Too Late? Read This First
The Cost of Playing Catch-Up Before Sentencing A father facing sentencing tomorrow called me with his kids. The kids were worried. Their […]
How One Honest Statement Helped a Doctor Get Less Time
I met a physician in Tampa who had a sentencing interview coming up that Monday. He sat across from me with his […]
Why Gambling in Prison Is Not Just a Game—It’s a Threat
Let’s talk about something too many people overlook when they think about prison: boredom. Not violence. Not gangs. Boredom. That’s the real […]
How a Prison Conversation Turned Into a Federal Indictment
Be Careful Who You Talk To in Federal Prison One morning in prison, I remember hearing someone ask, “Has anyone seen him?” […]
Why Most Federal Defendants Fail to Prepare—and Pay the Price Later
You’re a Target—Now What? Advice: Do not wait for your lawyer to drive strategy. Begin documenting your story now—dates, decisions, and documents—because […]
Why One Doctor Got Four Years Instead of Two
I got a call from a doctor recently. He’s now serving four years in federal prison. He originally thought he was getting […]
How Prison Holidays Break Families—And What You Can Do About It
There are moments in federal prison that stay with you long after your sentence ends. For me, it’s a Mother’s Day visit […]
Federal Prison Gave Me Something I Never Expected: Perspective
Seventeen years ago, I self-surrendered to federal prison. It was January 15, 2008. Around 4:30 p.m., I found myself walking the track […]
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 […]