The Truth About Status in Prison: It Doesn’t Matter
When I self-surrendered to federal prison, I assumed people would care about my white collar crime. I assumed they’d care about where […]
How I Justified Fraud—and Ended Up in Prison
I walked into my senior partner’s office convinced I had leverage. I tossed my latest commission statements on his desk—$100,000 in revenue […]
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 […]
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 […]
Preparing for Sentencing Too Late? Read This First
The Cost of Playing Catch-Up Before Sentencing A father facing sentencing tomorrow called me with his kids. The kids were worried. Their […]
How One Honest Statement Helped a Doctor Get Less Time
I met a physician in Tampa who had a sentencing interview coming up that Monday. He sat across from me with his […]
Why Gambling in Prison Is Not Just a Game—It’s a Threat
Let’s talk about something too many people overlook when they think about prison: boredom. Not violence. Not gangs. Boredom. That’s the real […]