Embrace Diligence and Consistency To Get A Shorter Prison Term
Release Date: 11/10/2023
This Sentencing Red Flag Got a Harsh Response from a Federal Judge
White Collar Advice
After prison, I spent time in Los Angeles courtrooms, studying how judges sentence people. One moment stuck with me: a defendant praised his education and community service, urging the judge not to send him to prison. But he ignored the victims. The judge cut him off—“I’m not sentencing your résumé. I’m sentencing you.” The lesson? Judges care about accountability, not just accomplishments. Let your lawyer highlight your achievements. You should focus on remorse, lessons learned, and the harm you caused. every Monday at 1PM Pacific / 4PM Eastern.
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A Federal Judge Doesn’t Care If You Think It’s ‘Gray’—Own It or Pay
White Collar Advice
Telling yourself “it’s gray” doesn’t help. One defendant claimed his conduct was unclear—but he broke the law, and saying otherwise only weakens his credibility. If you can’t own your role in a fraud case, you’ll struggle to build trust with your lawyer, probation officer, or judge. You don’t need to agree with everything the government says, but if you pled guilty, some of it’s true. Acknowledging that is step one. Then, show why you’re worthy of leniency—based on effort, remorse, and a clear plan forward. every Monday at 1PM Pacific / 4PM Eastern.
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You Might Still Be in the Cave (I Was Too)
White Collar Advice
In this episode, I talk about Plato’s Allegory of the Cave—and how it helped me stop lying to myself in prison. I was waiting for things to magically get better, instead of facing what was real. I also share a story about Kodak and a man in Florida who finally took the lead in his case. This episode is for anyone stuck, pretending it’ll work out, hoping the judge will just understand. I’ve been there. Most people stay in the cave. You don’t have to. If you’re serious about preparing, it starts with turning around and seeing clearly. Justin Paperny
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Green Flag In Federal Prison: Quiet Consistency
White Collar Advice
A physician serving a 3-year sentence for taking kickbacks at Leavenworth quietly earned a 9-month halfway house placement—not by pleading or complaining, but by showing up consistently and staying out of trouble. His case manager said, “You’re easy to advocate for.” That’s the key. No excuses. No drama. Just steady effort. The data backs it up: inmates who maintain a clean, productive record are more likely to receive early transition opportunities. Want to shorten your time and build trust with staff? Stop talking. Start showing. every Monday at 1PM Pacific / 4PM Eastern.
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Federal Prison Without Kids? They Said I Had It Easy—Here’s the Truth…
White Collar Advice
Matthew Cox said it. A stranger on a plane said it. And they’re right. Doing time without young children at home is easier. I didn’t have kids when I went to prison. I can’t pretend to understand that kind of heartbreak—but I can sympathize. I’m spending real money just to get home early tonight, to tuck my kids in. That ache of separation? It’s real. You can condemn the crime, sure—but it doesn’t erase the human cost. every Monday at 1PM Pacific / 4PM Eastern.
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What Was The Scariest Part About Federal Prison?
White Collar Advice
Forget the fights or the “Club Fed” labels. The scariest part of federal prison isn’t what happens while you’re inside—it’s what life looks like after release. I served 18 months in a minimum-security camp, but the real sentence was the fallout: lost license, ruined reputation, shame I caused my family. What kept me up at night? Building a plan so my time didn’t become a life sentence. Most don’t prepare. They leave prison afraid—and lost. every Monday at 1PM Pacific / 4PM Eastern.
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Defendants: Are You Ready To Seize Big Opportunities Before Sentencing?
White Collar Advice
A client working quietly with our team showed how self-advocacy changes outcomes. Without the lawyer knowing we were involved, the client presented a powerful personal narrative—so effective the lawyer called it one of the best he'd ever seen. When the client insisted on giving it to the probation officer, the lawyer hesitated—until hearing a federal judge recommend exactly that. The result? The lawyer changed his approach after 30 years of practice. Lesson: own your case, prepare well, and lead—even when your lawyer doesn’t. every Monday at 1PM Pacific / 4PM Eastern.
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How To Get A Shorter Federal Prison Sentence
White Collar Advice
After a disappointing first proffer session, a Boston physician didn’t sulk—he got to work. He crafted a clear, honest narrative that explained his path without excuses. He backed it with action: a major restitution payment and proof he’d landed a job after months of searching. That second proffer changed the U.S. Attorney’s view—not because of talk, but because of effort. Real progress means doing the work to show you’ve changed. If you want leniency in a federal case, skip the talk shows. Show receipts. every Monday at 1PM Pacific / 4PM Eastern.
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Accountability, Failure—and the Joy of Starting Over
White Collar Advice
When the Titanic sank, no one took responsibility—just finger-pointing. NASA, after the Apollo 1 tragedy, paused, owned it, and rebuilt. Johnson & Johnson, during the Tylenol scare, didn’t deflect—they acted. I ignored those lessons. I blamed everyone but myself: UBS, my co-defendant, the system. It wasn’t until I went to prison that I stopped lying to myself. Only then did I begin to own my failures, rebuild with purpose, and help others do the same. Blame feels good in the moment. But ownership is where progress begins. And rebuilding—on your terms—is more fulfilling than...
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Mom Gets Caught With iPhone In Federal Prison. What happens next?
White Collar Advice
A teenager called me in tears—her mom was caught with a contraband phone in federal prison and sent to the SHU (Special Housing Unit). The consequences? Likely loss of good time credit, removal from the RDAP drug program, and a possible transfer to a higher-security facility. It’s not worth it. Yes, there are “gray area” hustles inside, but going too far—like using a phone—can wreck your sentence and devastate your family. If someone offers you the phone, say no. every Monday at 1PM Pacific / 4PM Eastern.
info_outlineIn the final podcast, we focused on diligence and consistency, two principles I embraced in federal prison. Aristotle's wisdom reminded us that excellence is not a one-time act but a daily habit ( Ethics in Motion is based on this concept. You can get the free book here). I shared how these principles were instrumental in my journey, and I extend my thanks to you for reading this blog series!
In summary, this profoundly personal 5-part series draws from my experiences and Aristotle's wisdom to provide white-collar defendants like you with a comprehensive guide. We've emphasized the importance of daily actions, embracing change, having tough conversations, seeking knowledge, and maintaining diligence and consistency as key elements on your path to achieving shorter federal prison sentences, self-worth, and confidence.