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Decide what success looks like, then build a plan and follow through. Tracy got 51 months, nine above the guidelines, and called me at a 2 out of 10. She didn't ask how to get out. She asked how to make it count.
She called at a 2
Tracy called me right after her sentencing.
Fifty-one months. Nine months above the guidelines. She had a prior felony and a judge with little patience for her. She was at a 2 out of 10, and she had no idea how she could earn an earlier release or what she could offer anyone.
The victim spoke at sentencing. Later, she called me, because I had publicly supported Tracy. I told her what I believe: people can become better. I was sorry she'd been victimized. Tracy was ashamed and would do everything she could to make amends and repay the money.
I asked Tracy what success looked like.
She didn't say getting out. She said she wanted this experience to somehow become a blessing.
"How do you do that?"
"I have no idea. It's why I called you."
I told her she might have the skills to do it alone.
"No. I need a guide."
So our team interviewed her and built a plan. It was ambitious: weekly and monthly journal entries, book reports, a biography she'd keep updating. Then we told her what most people skip. The plan is useless without follow-through.
She said she was all in.
If your sentence came back longer than anyone expected, Tracy's number was a 2. What's yours?
Schedule a free call with our team.
Questions people ask
Can I appeal a sentence above the guidelines?
Possibly. Talk to your lawyer right away, because the deadline to file an appeal is short.
Can a sentence above the guidelines be reduced later?
Sometimes, through a guideline change, a motion, or other relief. Tracy's was. Ask your lawyer what applies to you.
Read next: Part 16: How a Guideline Change Took Nine Months Off Tracy's Sentence
Written by
Justin Paperny
Founder White Collar Advice
