The Signs You’re Under Federal Investigation (Before You Know It)
White Collar Advice
When a federal subpoena arrives or a federal agent contacts you, the reality is clear: you’re part of an investigation. But for so many people, that moment feels like it comes out of nowhere. I’ve been there. I know the panic that sets in, the shock of realizing that your actions—or the actions of others—have put you under scrutiny. It’s easy to feel blindsided, but with some self-examination, the warning signs often become clear. The sooner you identify them, the better. Recognizing the Warning Signs If you’ve done something wrong—or even been connected to something...
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Sean Combs and The Art of Self-Destruction
White Collar Advice
If you are a defendant, just do the opposite of Sean Combs. Justin Paperny
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The Power of ‘Joyful Neglect’: Prioritizing What Matters in a Probation Interview
White Collar Advice
In today’s episode, I talk about Oliver Burkeman’s Four Thousand Weeks and how his approach to time and priorities can guide anyone preparing for a probation interview. Burkeman’s idea of “joyful neglect”—choosing what matters most and letting go of the rest—can help you create a clear, meaningful message. We’ll explore how embracing limitations, being honest, and taking responsibility can shape a powerful interview that reflects real growth and intention. Join me for practical takeaways on preparing for this important interview. Justin Paperny
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Diddy, Safety, and Secrets: What’s Really Going On In Federal Prisons?
White Collar Advice
The Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) has long struggled with deep-rooted issues around safety, transparency, and accountability. As high-profile cases bring new attention to the facility, there's now a large-scale, interagency investigation. I discuss the systemic issues facing MDC, the role of poor leadership and understaffing, and the Bureau of Prisons' need for meaningful reform. Until they address these structural problems, taxpayers will continue funding settlements, and detainees will face unsafe conditions. Only with prudent transparency and accountability can we expect improvement...
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Why Accountability Beats Empty Promises in Navigating Sentencing and Prison
White Collar Advice
There Are No Guarantees in Sentencing In this podcast, I lay out a simple but crucial truth: nobody can guarantee what your sentencing outcome will be or when you'll get out of fedearl prison. If you’re focused on getting promises or assurances, you’re missing the point. The federal psystem doesn’t work that way, and asking for guarantees only shows a lack of understanding about what really drives a shorter sentence and earlier release from federal prison. Stop Obsessing Over the End Result, Focus on the Process Too often, people focus on the outcome they want—avoiding federal...
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Navigating Crisis with the Straight-A Guide
White Collar Advice
In this episode, I explore how checklists, small habits, and intentional reflection can help you make progress while managing a government investigation. Inspired by The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande and informed by Atomic Habits, Hidden Potential, and Difficult Conversations, I share practical strategies for developing clarity and accountability. At the heart of this approach is the Straight-A Guide, a framework I learned from my partner Michael Santos, which emphasizes Attitude, Aspiration, Action, and Accountability. Thanks for listening! Justin Paperny
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Why Generalists Win: Lessons from Range for White-Collar Defendants
White Collar Advice
In Range by David Epstein, the argument is clear: in today’s unpredictable world, those with broader experiences—generalists—can be more successful than specialists. This resonates with me, as I had to rebuild my life after prison, trying new things and developing new skills. Epstein contrasts athletes like Tiger Woods and Roger Federer, showing how diverse experiences lead to success. This book reinforces the importance of adapting, embracing failure, and avoiding a singular focus for anyone dealing with a white-collar crime investigation. There’s dignity in trying, failing, and...
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Tina Peters: 10 Critical Mistakes to Avoid in Prison
White Collar Advice
Tina Peters: 10 Critical Mistakes to Avoid in Prison
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Think Again To Get A Shorter Federal Prison Term
White Collar Advice
Time for another book review! Today, I'll cover Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know by Adam Grant and how its lessons can help you get a shorter federal prison term. This book hit home for me because it emphasizes the value of rethinking your assumptions, something I’ve found to be essential to get the best outcome possible, including a shorter sentence and earlier release from federal prison. In Think Again, Grant talks about the importance of intellectual humility—recognizing that you don’t have all the answers and being willing to question your own beliefs,...
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Delay is Your Enemy: Act Quickly During a Federal Investigation
White Collar Advice
"Are you available to speak?" The text came five weeks after a client first retained our services. Despite knowing how critical it is to prepare, he had gone dark. Several team members reached out, but there was no response. Then one day, he texted me back, and we finally had the conversation that should’ve happened much sooner. I understand why some people retreat when facing a government investigation. I did the same thing during my case—ignoring calls, avoiding family, and isolating myself. It’s an instinct, but it’s also a mistake. Waiting too long can make a difficult situation...
info_outlineTime for another book review! Today, I'll cover Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know by Adam Grant and how its lessons can help you get a shorter federal prison term. This book hit home for me because it emphasizes the value of rethinking your assumptions, something I’ve found to be essential to get the best outcome possible, including a shorter sentence and earlier release from federal prison.
In Think Again, Grant talks about the importance of intellectual humility—recognizing that you don’t have all the answers and being willing to question your own beliefs, presuming you actually want a shorter prison term or sentence!
For anyone facing sentencing, this mindset is essential. It means taking a hard look at your actions, letting go of excuses, and being open to feedback from others. In federal court, showing evidence is the only way to get the outcome you want--you must embrace new ideas to make this happen.
Grant explains that many people fall into one of three unproductive roles: the preacher (who insists they’re right), the prosecutor (who blames others), or the politician (who tries to say the right thing to look good). Embracing either of these three roles will lead to a longer federal prison term and more time in federal prison. Instead, Grant encourages you to embrace intellectual humility, which means accepting that you might be wrong and being open to exploring new ideas.
One story in the book that really stood out was about the 1949 Mann Gulch wildfire. Firefighters tragically lost their lives because they stuck to their training, holding onto their tools when they should have dropped them to run faster. I see this as a clear metaphor for someone preparing for sentencing. You might be holding onto a version of events or a defense strategy that’s slowing you down, when in reality, you need to adapt and rethink your approach.
Think Again also stresses the importance of learning from your mistakes, which is key when preparing for sentencing. You can’t afford to cling to outdated beliefs or place blame elsewhere. The court wants to see someone who’s taken responsibility for their actions and is willing to grow from them. The book encourages you to think about your past decisions as if they’re outdated software—you need to upgrade your mindset to face your current reality with honesty and openness.
One of the biggest traps is overconfidence, and I’ve seen it time and again (including in my own case.) They think they know how the court will respond or believe they’ve done enough to prepare. Grant explains how cognitive entrenchment—sticking to old beliefs despite new information—can blind you to better opportunities. Being overconfident about your sentencing strategy can result in missed chances to show the court why you are a candidate for leniency.
Defensiveness is another pitfall Grant warns about. It’s natural to want to defend yourself when facing criticism, but being defensive signals to the court that you haven’t fully accepted responsibility. We have always advised clients to separate their egos from their actions and own their mistakes without excuses.
Finally, Grant talks about the value of listening to feedback from others, whether it’s your attorney, our our team, family members. This can be tough, but it’s crucial if you want to approach your sentencing with clarity and honesty. Grant’s story about Daryl Davis, an African American man who convinced over 200 Ku Klux Klan members to leave the organization, shows how powerful listening and asking the right questions can be. When you listen and rethink your approach, you allow yourself the chance to grow.
In short, Think Again offers powerful lessons that can help you rethink your approach to sentencing. It’s not just about admitting guilt—it’s about showing the court that you’ve reflected deeply on your actions, learned from them, and are committed to doing the work (and not just talking about it). By embracing intellectual humility, letting go of defensiveness, and being open to feedback, you prepare yourself to get the best outcome possible at every stage.
As you prepare for sentencing, ask yourself: Are you holding onto outdated beliefs or strategies that no longer serve you? What can you rethink to approach this process with honesty, responsibility, and "individual humility?"
Justin Paperny