In this week’s webinar, we focused on how to prepare for key stages of the process, from the probation interview to sentencing. I emphasized the importance of documenting progress and creating a record that shows why someone is different from the government’s portrayal.
Recap of Last Week:
- I started by revisiting the session with Chris Maloney, a former probation chief. He provided valuable insights about preparing for probation interviews and how to build trust with the people influencing outcomes.
Advocacy as the Foundation:
- Advocacy is central to preparing for sentencing. I asked members of our community to consider what advocacy really means. It’s not about telling a judge what you plan to do—it’s about showing what you’ve already done. Examples include creating timelines, showing employment history, making restitution efforts, and proving that you’re focused on moving forward.
Probation Interview Preparation
Handling a Poor Probation Report:
- For those who don’t get the results they hoped for from the probation officer’s report, I stressed the importance of continuing to document progress. Sharing updates respectfully—even months after the report—can make a difference in how the judge views your case at sentencing.
Overcoming Cynicism:
- Probation officers and judges may have reservations about supporting leniency. I explained how showing consistent effort over time—through updates about work, restitution payments, and education—can help shift those perceptions.
Available Tools:
- I reminded our community to take advantage of free resources like our courses and Prison Professors Talent. By creating profiles on the Talent platform, members can share evidence of their efforts with case managers, probation officers, and even judges. These tools help create a narrative that is different from the one the government is presenting.
Looking Ahead:
- I announced plans to introduce a webinar certification program. This program will provide documentation that attendees can share with stakeholders, showing that they’ve been actively involved in learning and taking steps to prepare.
I encourage you to explore our courses on probation interviews, navigating a government investigation, and RDAP. These resources are designed to help you make the most of the opportunities you have to create a better outcome.
Justin Paperny
