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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Why Rock Bottom Didn’t Happen in Prison—and How I Learned to Prepare After Sentencing
I remember standing in that courtroom when the judge said the number out loud. Even though I saw it coming, it hit […]
You Only Get One Shot with the Judge—Here’s How Not to Blow It
Let me tell you about a recent moment that stuck with me—because it cuts to the heart of why so many people […]
#1 Sign You Hired The Wrong Criminal Defense Attorney
Last week, I sat down with a family who drove across Florida—from Miami to Tampa—to meet with me. Their son is getting […]
What Federal Judges Actually Look for at Sentencing (Hint: Not Your Resume)
A few weeks after I got out of federal prison, I started showing up at sentencing hearings in downtown Los Angeles—not because […]