The Best Decision I Made Before Sentencing

Before I was sentenced, I knew I had to take control. I appreciated the guidance from my lawyer, but after watching Michael Santos interview judges—especially Judge Bennett—I realized I needed to do more.

“Most defendants wait too long to show why they deserve leniency.” That’s what Judge Bennett said, and I wasn’t about to make that mistake.

I scheduled a call from my home in Tennessee and started working with White Collar Advice. That decision shaped everything that came next.

What I Did That Made a Difference

1️⃣ Corrected my PSR – My pre-sentence investigation report (PSR) would follow me through sentencing, prison, and release. I went through it line by line and made sure it accurately reflected my story.

2️⃣ Built a real sentencing narrative – The government had its version of events. I made sure my judge saw who I really was—someone who took responsibility, had a plan, and wasn’t defined by one bad decision.

3️⃣ Prepared for allocution – I didn’t walk into court hoping for the best. I had a statement that showed accountability and a clear plan for what I would do next. That work helped me get 28 months instead of 60.

Why I Walked Away from a Six-Figure Job to Join WCA

I came home from Montgomery Federal Prison Camp in 10 months. That wasn’t luck—it was because I followed the plan I built with White Collar Advice. I was only on supervised release for a year, and within months, I had rebuilt my career.

But something kept pulling at me. I knew how many people were walking into sentencing unprepared, hoping their lawyer would handle everything. I knew what it felt like to sit in that uncertainty. And I knew how much taking action mattered.

So, I made the decision. I walked away from a six-figure sales job to join White Collar Advice. Because nothing is more important to me than helping others get through this experience with the best possible result.