In federal cases with multiple defendants, early decisions impact everyone involved. Defendants often face a choice: plead early or hold out for a better deal. Those who delay accepting responsibility usually face harsher consequences.
When defendants plead guilty early, they set a precedent. If their deals include federal prison time, it becomes harder for those who follow to avoid similar sentences. Courts see early pleas as a sign of cooperation. Later pleas can be viewed as resistance or denial.
Dr. Phil told me, “If the early people made deals that included prison time, there’s no way those that come after them can do it without prison.” This pattern holds true in many federal cases. Once a baseline is set, it’s rare for later deals to be more lenient.
Delaying a plea forces the government to spend more resources preparing for trial. Prosecutors often argue, “Your Honor, we had to invest significant time and resources because this defendant delayed the inevitable.” These delays usually lead to longer sentences and fewer chances for favorable outcomes.
I encourage defendants (if they did it) to act as soon as they decide to take responsibility. If you’ve made mistakes, acknowledge them and start addressing the consequences. As I often say, “Don’t walk—run to the U.S. Attorney’s office to take a deal.” The less the government spends on your case, the better your chances for leniency.
Justin Paperny
