My First 7 Days In The Halfway House After Federal Prison
White Collar Advice
In this podcast, I describe my first seven days in the halfway house following my release from federal prison. This video will help you prepare for the halfway house, which requires you to prepare properly in federal prison. Key points covered include: The importance of doing your own thing and staying focused Avoiding gossip and haters in federal prison. Sharing your progress and work with stakeholders Understanding why you cannot waste a moment in prison These insights will be invaluable for you as you prepare for your release. Thank you, Justin
info_outline
Facing a Federal Investigation? Trial vs. Plea Deal: Insights from Ron Chapman
White Collar Advice
I connected with Ron Chapman through LinkedIn, where we often commented on each other's posts about mitigation. A few weeks ago, after I posted a video describing why some white-collar defense attorneys were averse to working with consultants, Ron commented. "Justin, the issue is that in your industry there are a lot of vultures. Big promises of RDAP admission, programs, mitigation success. Most are working off of false or outdated knowledge of BOP policy. In addition, any field that intersects law will be highly skeptical to lawyers who've worked for decades perfecting their craft. You seem...
info_outline
Leveraging Arnold Schwarzenegger’s 7 Tools in White Collar Crime Cases
White Collar Advice
Hi, Justin here, and I am super excited to provide this book summary of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s "Be Useful: Seven Tools for Life." This book is not just a recount of Schwarzenegger’s remarkable journey from a small village in Austria to becoming a global icon in bodybuilding, Hollywood, and politics; it’s also a profound source of practical wisdom that can be particularly beneficial for anyone navigating the complexities of a white collar crime investigation. The narrative begins by vividly describing Schwarzenegger's early life in post-war Austria, laying the foundation for the...
info_outline
Diane Bass's Strategic Defense Leads to Remarkable Sentencing Victory
White Collar Advice
Our team at White Collar Advice is proud to collaborate with some of the best legal minds in America. Today, I have the privilege of interviewing one of them, my good friend, Diane Bass. In this video, Diane discusses a particularly challenging case where, despite her client’s conviction at trial, her planned mitigation strategies led to an extraordinary court outcome. Her client, who had been taken into custody post-trial, received a sentence of time served and was able to go home that night—an outcome that seldom occurs. Diane discusses her defense tactics, emphasizing the importance of...
info_outline
Fear Not: Applying 50 Cent's Lessons to Prepare For Sentencing and Federal Prison
White Collar Advice
In this podcast episode, I dive into "The 50th Law" by 50 Cent and Robert Greene, a book that explores the profound theme of fearlessness. Drawing parallels to Greene’s "The 48 Laws of Power," this work offers a compelling look at how embracing fearlessness can transform weaknesses into strengths. I share personal insights on how these principles can be applied not just in confronting the challenges of federal prison or sentencing, but in overcoming any of life's significant obstacles. Through stories of 50 Cent’s resilience, from his early hardships in New York’s streets to his rise in...
info_outline
Collaboration With Diane Bass Leads To Shorter Prison Terms
White Collar Advice
Achieving the best outcome in federal court requires dedicated work over a prolonged period. It necessitates not only having an excellent lawyer but also working effectively with them—being open and transparent at every step. In this short blog, I wish to share about a particularly special relationship with s, a friend and one of the best lawyers I've had the pleasure to work with. Located in Orange County, Diane handles cases throughout California. Whenever I need assistance outside of the state, she's my first call for a reliable referral. Diane is a remarkable attorney because of...
info_outline
What To Know About Sentencing Memorandums
White Collar Advice
In my latest podcast I address the sentencing memorandum. Unfortunately, too many defendants lack an understanding of the sentencing memorandum--some have never even heard of it until it was turned in to the government before sentencing. Presuming it was done well, the memo plays a pivotal role in influencing the sentencing phase by presenting a comprehensive, well-rounded defense narrative to the judge. Starting with essential background information about the defendant, the memorandum explores character details and mitigating circumstances surrounding the offense. This podcast...
info_outline
Why Some Defense Lawyers Shy Away from Mitigation Experts
White Collar Advice
In this podcast, I discuss a common challenge defendants face in government investigations: the harsh truth about sentencing mitigation efforts. Despite significant investments in time and resources, a client learned from their lawyer yesterday that their mitigation efforts will not influence the judge's decision. This situation raises questions about why some lawyers may downplay mitigation efforts. Possible reasons include a reluctance to embrace new ideas and past negative experiences with consultants who made false promises. Despite these challenges, defendants must hold their lawyers...
info_outline
CNN Exclusive: Justin Paperny Analyzes Sam Bankman-Fried's 25-Year Prison Term
White Collar Advice
I was saddened to hear Sam Bankman-Fried say his useful life is over. Many individuals facing prison share that sentiment, and I certainly did during my own experience. Navigating through such challenging times requires learning from those who have not only faced but also found success in similar circumstances. Fortunately, I found invaluable guidance from my mentor, Michael Santos, while incarcerated. I literally sat next to him for 10-12 hours a day in that prison quiet room to learn and grow. When individuals tell me, "I cannot do it, Justin. Come on, man. The FEDS want (insert sentence...
info_outline
What's Next for Peter Navarro at Miami Federal Prison Camp?
White Collar Advice
Transcript from CNN Interview We're joined now by Prison Consultant and the founder of White Collar Advice, Justin Paperny. Justin, thanks so much for sharing part of your afternoon with us. What would you be telling Peter Navarro now as he begins his first day of incarceration? I would tell him this four months can feel like 40 years. If he complains all day and finds people who will tell him exactly what he wants to hear, that it wasn't his fault or he can adjust properly. Don't complain about the length of his sentence, which can be off-putting to people who have been in prison for a...
info_outlineTranscript from CNN Interview
We're joined now by Prison Consultant and the founder of White Collar Advice, Justin Paperny. Justin, thanks so much for sharing part of your afternoon with us. What would you be telling Peter Navarro now as he begins his first day of incarceration?
I would tell him this four months can feel like 40 years. If he complains all day and finds people who will tell him exactly what he wants to hear, that it wasn't his fault or he can adjust properly.
Don't complain about the length of his sentence, which can be off-putting to people who have been in prison for a long time. He can do his job with humility. He has a Ph.D. in economics from Harvard. He could use his experience to educate people so it could be a great time in his life, or it can be a miserable time. The good news for him, at least he gets credit for time served. Today he's one day closer to home.
That's true. He may not be a household name. He's not really a celebrity. He is well known in politics, though he was a prominent figure in the Trump White House. A Maga loyalist, he was able to hold a 30-minute press conference before starting his sentence. And most inmates don't have that luxury. How do you think his life on the outside will play on the inside?
Most people who go to prison, like me, are unknown. Because of his stature in the administration, there will be people who are sympathetic to him. There will be sycophants all around him offering to help him, and he can take that advice or help. Or he can lay low and recognize in the totality of his life this is a little blip, and he can use the experience for good. But certainly, guards and prisoners are going to come up to him and offer him things. Others won't care, and others will loathe him. Of course, he has an obligation to his family to adjust well, to never complain, and to use this experience somehow. Some way to benefit people in prison who have not had the opportunities that he has had throughout his lifetime. Use the 120 days on the inside to educate and help people. It's possible, but he has to make that choice.
I appreciate that that sort of stoic philosophy that you're recommending. There is not much privacy, apparently, in that elderly men's dorm that he's likely to live in. You mentioned keeping a low profile. Would that actually be possible under those circumstances?
If he chooses.
To create that profile, certainly he can. When I was in prison, I woke at 4:00, woke up at 4:00 in the morning. So I had several hours alone to think and create and write while the dorm slept. And I would exercise alone, go to the library alone, walk that track alone, and by exercising and working hard, you go to bed earlier because you are exhausted. Or he can do what so many prisoners do: sit in the chow hall and lament and complain. The great thing about complaining in prison is it will eventually be your turn, and there will be others who will be willing to listen to those complaints. The choice is his. But if someone tells you you cannot find respite or privacy in federal prison, that tells me they haven't been to federal prison. If he wants it, he can do it, but it's going to require an adjustment. Use the experience for good to teach rather than complain, which is what too many new prisoners do. All eyes will be on him. I hope he adjusts properly for his sake and his family's sake. They're watching.
Right? You did mention that he will have to find a job while he's in prison. What would you recommend he do? What are the options look like potentially for him?
I recommend he does his job because if he's in prison, there's already about 17 people who have come up to him and said, you shouldn't be here, I'll do your job for you. It shows humility and deference. If you're willing to contribute to that community of felons. He could be an orderly, work in the commissary, serve food. Maybe he's scrubbing toilets and showers. I'm not sure I know you do your job on the inside. You avoid disciplinary infractions, you avoid the prison hustle, and you never, ever complain. That's what he needs to do. Presume he wants this four month experience to be a productive experience in his life. And one will, that one will that will not define the rest of his life as it does for so many people who go through this system.
Justin Paperny, we really appreciate an illuminating conversation. Thanks so much.
Thank you.