How One Defendant Avoided Charges—And Why I Didn’t
On April 28, 2005, two FBI agents knocked on my door in Studio City. I wasn’t ready. I thought I could wing […]
One Week In: When I Realized Prison Was Not Temporary
The Call That Changed NothingSeven days after I surrendered, I picked up the phone and called my sister-in-law, Sunny. I told her […]
Think You Deserve Early Release? Prove It With This
I stood outside a case manager’s office years ago watching a guy plead his case. He said the same thing I’ve heard […]
FBI to Defendants: Cooperation Is Not Enough
Cooperation Alone Won’t Keep You Out of Prison Three years ago, this defendant signed his plea agreement and agreed to cooperate. He […]
What If It Doesn’t Shorten Your Sentence? Why the Work Still Matters
I was alone, watching Mission: Impossible. My wife and kids were off doing their thing, and I wasn’t invited. So I went […]
The Silent Mistake That Cost Him His Business After Prison
Let me tell you about a call I got recently. It came from a man who had worked with our team more […]
Why Most People Waste Federal Prison (And Don’t Even Know It)
Sixteen years ago today, I was in a halfway house, serving my first full day after leaving federal prison. One thing I […]
What I Would Tell Myself Before Prison—17 Years Later at Pebble Beach
I recently got a voicemail from someone who said, “Dude, you only served 18 months. What are you complaining about?” Let me […]
The Hard Truth I Gave a Billionaire Before He Went to Prison
Sixteen years ago, I was sitting in a prison camp dining hall, wondering how I messed everything up. These days, I talk […]
What I Promised Myself the Day I Left Federal Prison
The Last Day in Federal Prison Doesn’t Feel Like Freedom Sixteen years ago today—May 19, 2009—I woke up in federal prison for […]
Why Refusing a Job Before Sentencing Can Hurt You in Court
When I was first indicted, I didn’t think I’d done anything that wrong. Sure, mistakes were made—but prison? No way. I didn’t […]
How One Letter Triggered Government Collection After Prison
I still laugh when I think of Back to School with Rodney Dangerfield. My dad, my brother, and I used to quote […]