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Proof of what you're doing. Judge Stephen Bough told us not to tell him you're sorry, but how you'll fix the window. Your case manager reads you the same way, and there are only so many halfway house beds.
The window, after sentencing
Judge Stephen Bough sits on the federal bench in the Western District of Missouri. Some days he handles eight sentencings in Jefferson City, gets in his car at five, and drives to another courthouse for more.
When Michael Santos interviewed him, the judge said something I now repeat on almost every call: if you break the window, don't tell me you're sorry. Tell me how you'll fix the window.
He also said a lawyer telling him the defendant is sorry counts for about 1 to 2 percent.
If you've already been sentenced, the judge is behind you. The next person reading about you is your case manager, and the window is the same. There are only so many beds in the halfway house. The person who does the most work should be rewarded.
People tell me on calls that their lawyer has it handled. The lawyer handled the law. Your lawyer can't take the class, write the entry, repay the money, or teach the course in the education building. Only you can.
You're the star of the show. Most people are surprised to hear that.
If you want help deciding how you'll fix your window, and how you'll show the people who decide, let's talk.
Schedule a free call with our team.
Questions people ask
Does my case manager decide my halfway house time?
Your case manager makes a recommendation, the warden reviews it, and the Residential Reentry Management office makes the final call.
What should I give my case manager?
A release plan, a record of your programs and work, and an update before each team meeting.
Read next: Part 10: What Happens in the RDAP Interview With the Coordinator?
Written by
Justin Paperny
Founder White Collar Advice
