Federal Judge Unimpressed by Defendants' Sentencing Preparations

A federal judge delivered a stern message to a 26-year-old he had just sentenced to 18 months in federal prison:
"I expected to hear more from you," the Judge told him.
The defendant (and new client) reached out to me, expressing self-doubt and labeling himself as a coward. I had to reassure him that he wasn't a coward but rather someone overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty. He knew what he needed to do to demonstrate to the judge why he deserved a shorter sentence, yet he did not follow through.
In this video, I share the importance of proactive measures leading up to sentencing. I discuss how judges value hearing directly from defendants rather than relying on lawyers.
As always, I hope you find value in this video!
Justin Paperny
[e-mail] - 818-424-2220
Visit www.whitecollaradvice.com to access our federal prison blogs
/ federalprisonadvice

[@EmmaR.2024]

These are such important messages to share!! Please keep up the great work!! Having watched several sentencings in CA District court, these videos and trainings should be made available to even high schoolers so they can see things from a non propaganda perspective. Some of the ppl didn't even know something was a federal crime at first or how high the stakes can be. W things the way they are nowadays, we all need to be educated on this topic. I'm as serious as a heart attack.

[@WhiteCollarAdviceOfficial]

I will do my best to keep it up! Thank you!!

[@user-wi3on5xm5q]

Paperny's advice is helpful; HOWEVER, as reflected in the comment about the judge who was just waiting to pounce, it is not universally appropriate. In 30 years of practicing criminal law (13.5 as a state & federal prosecutor and 17.5 as a defense attorney), I can tell you that strategy is fact dependent. I agree that 20-something year old should have talked more. But, in some circumstances and with some judges, silence (or near silence) is golden. The fact is, there is no replacement for learning about the judge. When I travel to a new federal courthouse for the first time, I make it a priority to retain or develop a relationship with a local attorney who can talk to me about the judge before whom my client and I will appear. Recently, I was in the MDFL; at the end of the sentencing hearing, the probation officer who wrote the PSR walked up and told me that was the best representation at a sentencing hearing she had seen. That compliment was earned after thorough preparation and extensive research on the judge. John Lovell Atlanta, GA

[@WhiteCollarAdviceOfficial]

A defendant should only say silent if they have the wrong messaging.

[@CR500R]

Some judges want to hear more... my judge in the Northern District of California was eagerly waiting for me to say literally anything... ready to pounce. I was recorded during sentencing with a camera right in my face. She was itching to catch me smirk, frown, do anything she could yell at me about. I had to stand there and hear all kinds of lies about me. The prosecution played to the emotions of the people in the courtroom. It was disgusting. I didn't say anything, because if I did my outcome would be worse. Never say anything. Because whatever you say will be twisted and contorted by the media who is present. Some outcomes are pre-determined. I begin my prison term in mid-February.

[@KJ-vu2xx]

The system is broken the BOP classes are BS. It's 8:44 that his life is ruined for a non violent offense

[@WhiteCollarAdviceOfficial]

Not all the classes are bad. Our course, preparing for success after prison is a first step act approved course and is fantastic with incredible reviews from prisoners. It was created by my partner, Michael, who served 26 years in prison. Please do not indict all programs.

[@KJ-vu2xx]

@@WhiteCollarAdviceOfficial that would be great if they were available but they are not in most places.