Many are quick to say Sean Combs will get sentenced to time served. But that assumption misses a key point: no judge reduces a sentence just because of fame or past success. As explained in a recent Law & Crime interview, the only way Combs—or any federal defendant—earns a shorter sentence is by demonstrating, through his own efforts, why he deserves it.
This applies to anyone under federal investigation or already in custody. Outsourcing the work to lawyers is not enough. Judges expect to see direct, personal evidence that the defendant understands the harm caused, has changed, and is prepared to avoid future problems. Lawyers are paid to advocate; judges want to know what the defendant is doing for themselves.
Early Responsibility Creates Better Outcomes
The Bureau of Prisons (BOP), through its June 2025 memo, reinforces this principle: “Documentation should support the individual’s release plan.” This applies not only during incarceration but also during the early stages of a federal investigation. The sooner defendants accept responsibility, cooperate where appropriate, and document progress, the more options they keep open.
In the case of Sean Combs, that means showing—now—not just that he regrets past choices but that he’s taking clear, measurable steps to address them. The same holds for any defendant. Waiting or relying on others to speak on your behalf leaves you with little leverage. Taking early action—by cooperating when appropriate, reflecting on past conduct, and recording completed programs, work, or restitution efforts—creates a detailed record that probation officers and judges can evaluate when deciding on sentencing or placement.
Michael Santos Set the Standard for Documented Progress
Michael Santos spent 26 years in federal prison and pioneered the release plan approach now recognized in BOP policy. His Release Plan Workbook, provided to thousands of incarcerated individuals, outlines how to build an evolving, detailed record of growth: courses completed, goals set and met, financial and employment preparation, and personal reflections on past harm and lessons learned.
Santos didn’t rely on lawyers or last-minute statements. He built assets—written, dated proof of effort—that no one could ignore. His public profile on PrisonProfessorsTalent.com shows exactly what consistent documentation looks like in practice.
Publish Efforts Where They Can Be Verified
PrisonProfessorsTalent.com offers a platform for defendants and prisoners to publish their release plans, document their efforts, and create a visible, verifiable record of progress. For Combs—and anyone in his position—this is not about image; it’s about building concrete evidence to present to probation officers, case managers, and judges.
What Defendants Should Learn from Sean Combs’s Case
The focus should not be on predicting the sentence, but on asking: what is the defendant doing today to earn the shortest sentence possible? That means accepting responsibility, documenting measurable change, and showing—through actions, not words—why they deserve leniency.
Join our weekly webinar every Tuesday at 11 a.m. PST / 2 p.m. EST or schedule a personal call to get guidance on documenting, publishing, and building a release plan that shows stakeholders you are serious about change.
Justin Paperny
