Hi, Alec here. I have a question for you. How will you make sure you NEVER set foot in a courtroom again as a defendant? It doesn’t matter if you are in the middle of a white-collar criminal investigation, pre-sentencing, or soon to surrender – you need a release plan right now.
Get Past the Disconnect
Here is the truth that many first-time defendants do not realize or are unwilling to accept: no lawyer in the country can guarantee zero federal prison time. Yes, their job is to advocate, and yes, they will say everything they are paid to say – you are a law-abiding citizen, you are making amends, you will never make the same mistakes – but these are just words every judge expects to hear. They know you want leniency.
Where is the proof that you are on the road to redemption? What tangible evidence can you offer the BOJ and the BOP, demonstrating the work you are doing and will do to earn a second chance at life? Without any documentation, your claims of rehabilitation do not exist.
The Importance of a Release Plan
A release plan is a blueprint that frames your life during and after federal prison. It answers open-ended questions such as:
- What am I doing to make my victims whole?
- What am I doing to prove worthy of a second chance?
- How
- What will I do in prison to document how I am growing through prison?
- How will I steer clear of problems after my release from prison?
- How programs have impacted your time in prison.
- Books you are reading and why you reading them.
- And hundreds more questions.
A well-thought-out release plan showcases your commitment to taking responsibility for your actions and your seriousness in documenting why you are worthy of an earlier release from prison and more liberties after prison. It probably makes sense to get started now.
You Have to Do the Work
Unfortunately, some white-collar defendants do very little to prepare for prison and the hardest part–coming home.
At White Collar Advice, we firmly believe the mitigation arc starts with you. You are the primary agent of change, followed by your lawyer, and then supported by your family, friends, and subject matter experts. The judge isn’t interested in hearing from a gambling expert. They want to see the attendance record of therapy sessions.
So, if you want a shorter prison sentence or an early release, follow through and do the work. Treat the time leading up to your sentencing as a full-time job. Take responsibility for your life and begin journaling the positive steps you are taking to rectify the fractures and mitigate the collateral damage.
Alec Burlakoff
P.S. Have any questions or concerns? Call me at 704-654-1604!
P.S.S. We are offering free new courses in our digital brochure. Get started now!
