Our interactive workshop today focused on one of the critical aspects of a defendant’s journey—the sentencing narrative. It’s a topic that impacts every stage of the process, whether you’re pre-sentencing, post-sentencing, or even years into supervised release.

Why We Emphasize Interactive Workshops

I want to emphasize something upfront: the term “webinar” doesn’t really fit the style of what we do here. This is an interactive workshop. We’re here to share, ask questions, and build together.

The Relevance of a Sentencing Narrative at Every Stage

I received a text from someone in our community earlier over the Holidays. He asked if it made sense to join today’s workshop since he’s already been sentenced. Here’s the thing: at every stage of this journey, the sentencing narrative remains relevant. Whether you’re indicted, awaiting sentencing, or already serving time in prison, creating an asset that reflects your life story is essential.

The Lawyer’s Perspective on Defendant Advocacy

Throughout the webinar, Forrest and I role play on questions a defendants should consider when creating a narrative Before we dive into that, I want to share a quick story. I spoke with a Chicago-based lawyer, Vadim Glozman, earlier today. He’s someone we referred a client to recently. After that conversation and success we had had with a previous client, I can confidently say he’s one of the good ones—professional, honest, and hardworking. What stood out most was his acknowledgment of his role as a lawyer. He said, “I know what I do, but I also know what a defendant must do that I can’t. They need to express, in their own words, why they deserve leniency.” That’s the kind of lawyer you want in your corner—someone who values the defendant’s voice.

What Judges Say About the Sentencing Narrative

We covered Judge Bough’s interview with Michael Santos. Judge Bough said something that has ruffled some feathers among lawyers: “Zero to one percent of the remorse factor comes from a lawyer.” That’s not my statement—it’s his. Lawyers play a crucial role in plea agreements and so many other areas, but when it comes to expressing remorse, judges want to hear from the defendant directly. If someone in our community tells me, “My lawyer’s handling my narrative,” I have to ask: “What does that even mean?” Judges, like Judge Bough and Judge Bennett, have made it clear—they want to hear from you.

How to Create an Effective Sentencing Narrative

Let’s break down what makes a sentencing narrative effective. The goal is to create a living document—something you start now and build upon over time. It’s not a one-and-done assignment. This document will grow with you, reflecting your progress, accountability, and plans moving forward. I want to briefly share a tip that Michael Santos taught me—something we still use today. Every piece of content he creates gets added to a content sheet. It’s a method we use internally, and it’s a system that I encourage everyone to adopt. I wake up excited for coffee and ready to update my content sheet!

Sharing the Sentencing Narrative with Key Stakeholders

People in our community are sharing their sentencing narratives with pretrial services officers, probation officers, and even their networks. Here’s why that’s important: if your narrative becomes part of your probation report, it gives the judge time to review it before sentencing. This can influence the judge’s perception and lead to better outcomes. As Angel mentioned in the chat, the narrative allows the judge to understand your character beyond the government’s version of events. This approach helped him get a shorter prison sentence.

Building a Narrative: Honesty and Consistency

When writing your sentencing narrative, focus on the message you’re conveying. It’s not about crafting a perfect term paper—it’s about honesty and consistency. Judges want to see growth and accountability. Even if your initial message is, “I have no idea what I’m going to do next,” that’s okay. If you can show progress six months or a year later, it builds credibility. It shows you’re not just offering empty words but living your accountability.

Highlighting Your Background and Early Career

Let’s switch gears and talk about background and early career. Why is this relevant? Because judges, like my sentencing judge, Judge Wilson, want to know who you are beyond the crime. If you’ve had a law-abiding career before your offense, highlight that. Don’t let the government’s narrative define you as someone who has only ever committed crimes. For example, my co-defendant, the hedge fund manager I worked with ran a legitimate business for years before a lapse in judgment. That context matters and I am not sure Judge Wilson knew or considered it.

Crafting a Vision for the Future in Your Narrative

When it comes to laying out a vision for the future, be clear and honest. If you plan to volunteer, take courses, or mentor others, write that down. If you don’t have a plan yet, admit that. But show that you’re working to figure it out. The sentencing narrative isn’t just for the judge’s benefit. It’s for you. It helps you process your journey, reflect on your actions, and set a course for what comes next.

Documenting Progress and Accountability

Craig, who shared his story earlier, exemplifies what it means to build a record. He’s actively volunteering, documenting his progress, and engaging in projects that demonstrate accountability. His actions show progress and responsibility. It’s not just about saying, “I’m sorry.” It’s about demonstrating change through consistent actions.

Start Your Sentencing Narrative Today

To everyone here: Start building your sentencing narrative today. Even if it’s just a hundred words, start. And keep adding to it. Document your growth. Share your progress. Whether it’s through a blog, journal entries, or book reports, create a record that shows you’re more than the charges against you. My journey started with a single blog!

If you need a template for a content sheet, we’ll share a version that you can modify to track your progress. It’s a tool that’s helped many people document their progress before and after sentencing.

Upcoming Workshop: Release Plans and the Narrative

Next week, we’ll focus on release plans and how they tie into your sentencing narrative. Until then, keep working on your story. Don’t let the government’s version of events be the only story told about you.

Justin Paperny