When Changpeng Zhao (CZ), the founder of Binance, faced prison, he didn’t wait to figure things out once he got there. He made a plan, worked with the right team, and put himself in the best possible position. His story isn’t just about Binance or crypto—it’s about what every white-collar defendant should do when facing a government investigation, sentencing, or prison.
Why CZ Took Action Early
A mutual friend connected me to CZ, then I connected CZ to Michael Santos. I knew Michael brought an unmatched level of knowledge and expertise. CZ knew that prison was unfamiliar territory. He built one of the largest crypto companies in the world, but that experience didn’t prepare him for federal custody. Instead of hoping for the best, he found people who understood the system.
Most defendants don’t have the resources CZ does, but that’s not the point. The point is that preparation matters. The sooner you understand what’s ahead, the more control you have over your experience.
What CZ Did Right
- He Found the Right People to Help – CZ didn’t guess his way through prison. He sought out people who knew the system and had helped others succeed. Too many defendants assume they’ll “figure it out” inside. That’s not a strategy—it’s a risk.
- He Had a Plan Before He Surrendered – CZ didn’t wait until the day he reported to prison to start thinking about how he’d spend his time. He had a strategy before he walked in. Whether it was staying productive, staying out of unnecessary conflicts, or making the most of limited resources, he went in prepared.
- He Used His Time Wisely – While inside, CZ focused on writing his story and staying productive. He wasn’t just waiting for his sentence to end—he was actively working on something meaningful. That mindset made his time easier and kept him focused on the future.
- He Transitioned Smoothly Back to the Community – Thanks to proper preparation, CZ didn’t just “get through” prison—he positioned himself to move forward as soon as he got out. Many people stumble because they haven’t thought ahead. CZ had a clear plan for what came next.
What You Can Do Now
You don’t need to be a billionaire to prepare the right way. Whether you’re months away from sentencing or already have a surrender date, you can take steps today to make your experience better. That starts with learning from people who’ve been there and using a strategy that works.
We help white-collar defendants get ready for sentencing and prison, just like we helped CZ. If you want to understand what’s ahead and avoid unnecessary mistakes, schedule a call with our team or join our next webinar. You don’t have to figure this out alone.
Read this article to learn more about our work with CZ.
Justin Paperny
