One Crazy Thing Lawyers Tell Defendants!

Since my release from federal prison in May 2009, I have heard a lot of crazy things!
In this video, I share one crazy, bad, awful, terrible thing a defense attorney told a white collar defendant who was indicted for mail fraud.
Specifically, this federal defendant was told that it was "way too early to begin preparing for sentencing and all of the collateral consequences that accompany a white collar crime conviction."
With some minor edits, I go through the specific interactions with this defendant (he is not a consulting client of White Collar Advice). I also share specific details on WHY it is not TOO early to begin preparing for sentencing, federal prison and life after federal prison.
I feel the need to reiterate I am not indicting all lawyers. Even in this case, I have no doubt this defense attorney has good intentions. I just do not buy into the premise that it is too early too prepare.
For example, the Masters starts tomorrow. Do you think my pick, Tony Finau, starting preparing for Augusta last week or last month? No! Every day he is working, hitting that high draw to reach 15 in two!
Those that succeed, work. Those that get shorter federal prison terms invest the time each day to prepare.
Whether we help you or not, do not delay. There is too much at stake.
Justin Paperny
P.S. You can still get Lessons From Prison for free. Simply text LIBERTY to 44222. The book will be emailed you to instantly.
[e-mail] - 818-424-2220
Visit www.whitecollaradvice.com to access our federal prison blogs
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[@tomfinley1674]

Justin, thank you for posting another insightful and meaningful in the practical sense video. As you may recall, I was one of those foolish targets of the FBI and the US Department of Justice who did wait to enlist your services UNTIL THE VERY LAST POSSIBLE MOMENT. Nevertheless, you and Brad went beyond all reasonable expectations to enable me to prepare for a sentencing hearing that resulted in the judge allowing me to avoid prison. Had I taken your advice and engaged you earlier, then I would have saved myself two years of severe and emotional distress, knowing that the proverbial Sword of Damocles was overhead 24/7. My court-appointed lawyer prepared me for nothing, took orders from the AUSA, and even, when asked, suggested that I contact one of your competitors. At the risk of being repetitive, I was drowning, and a life preserver labeled "White Collar Advice" was thrown at me. Dear reader, DO NOT DELAY is my takeaway and lesson from my personal experience.

[@sampompeo9747]

Really upping your game. I like the new visual layout, it’s very engaging..

[@WhiteCollarAdviceOfficial]

Thank you, respectfully Mr. Stack and Tilt

[@shelleycarroll559]

You do such amazing work! I don't think most people (including some lawyers) realize exactly what you do. You are there to help those from the very beginning to start making BETTER CHOICES in order to not only possibly get a better sentencing but to begin to live/lead a BETTER LIFE from now on! We all make mistakes but owning them and learning from them and becoming a better person is what makes the difference in moving forward and preventing the revolving door in the prison system. Thank you for all you do!! 💕

[@WhiteCollarAdviceOfficial]

Thank you for your message. Rather than placate or tell people what they want to hear, it is best to be direct. I admire your willingness and dedication to support your loved one on this journey. It is not easy. If you have questions or if there is anything I can do, please reach out. Again, thank you!!

[@nathancullins9301]

I'd fire any lawyer who advised me to relax and said it's too early to prepare.. the best advice I was ever given "you're case might not be the most important case your lawyer is ever invested in but I guarantee it's the most important one you're involved in".

[@WhiteCollarAdviceOfficial]

I love that quote! May I use it?!? Great advice.

[@jamessasson1585]

I hope every person facing prison gets a chance to watch this video. If anything they will see the price that follows delaying.

[@WhiteCollarAdviceOfficial]

Doing nothing or delaying does not require any effort. It is not a strategy I would recommend for anyone facing a criminal investigation.

[@kenmayer2540]

Your honesty and willingness to help people shines through in all your videos. You are not afraid to cover and breakdkwn tough topics.

[@dianebass5251]

It’s never too early! I start working on mitigation on day 1!

[@WhiteCollarAdviceOfficial]

Your approach to mitigation is part of the reason White Collar Advice refers you our clients in need of an excellent lawyer in California!

[@ericdavidson3490]

Did you waste time and money going through discovery? Good top 10 list. Like you said I am sure there are a lot more things you could have added. Enjoyed this video.

[@WhiteCollarAdviceOfficial]

We never got to discovery. My lawyer needed just one call with the US Attorney, David Willingham, (who was very fair and ethical) to tell me what I was up against. I was done. Had I made better decisions earlier in the government investigation, I would have never been charged. These are just some of the lessons our team shares. Glad you found value in video.

[@amyturbiner6364]

Taking action super early and hiring white collar was the best decision we ever made. The savings of money was secondary to getting a shorter sentence and just getting this over with. Grateful to Justin and Brad.

[@WhiteCollarAdviceOfficial]

I really admire you and your family. Your dad has worked so hard to prepare. I know he moved forward at your urging. We are trending in the right direction! Thanks again for your supportive words. Our team is grateful.

[@UlisesHeureaux]

This is an awesome video. I know someone facing a prosecutors' recommendation of 39 months. They believe that they will only get probation. How realistic do you think this is? I realize I ask a lot of questions but I am curious. Thanks. Your content is getting better btw

[@WhiteCollarAdviceOfficial]

Without knowing the specifics of the case, I cannot give a specific answer. That said, I can offer a response more general in nature. In my experience, once defendants convince themselves they will get probation, they tend to do very little work in advance of sentencing. Why work hard if I’m getting probation? The way to actually get the shortest sentence is to take the alternative approach: work under the idea you’re going to get 10 or 20 years in prison. Sounds insane to prepare to such a degree, but that is what it takes, in my experience. If this defendant asked his lawyers to produce case studies of other clients who got probation based on the governments recommendation of 39 months, I suspect they would not have too many to share. It is a very wide gap or chasm to close. If a client facing a sentence of 39 months or more (and presuming the judge wanted to keep the person out of prison), home confinement is more realistic than probation. That happened recently with a client who was expecting 34 months in prison. Instead of prison, Judge Carter sentenced him to six months of home detention, not probation. I wish your friend well and hope he is taking this seriously and not just outsourcing all the work to lawyers. Judges need to hear directly from the defendant.

[@UlisesHeureaux]

@@WhiteCollarAdviceOfficial I appreciate this. I advised them of the existence of your company. Even if they can’t afford your fees, they can tune in to your videos. I listen to this channel all the time even though I have no involvement in the criminal justice system. Rather, I find that you offer constructive life advice.

[@strata8383]

My case took 22 months. Finally after not accepting any plea deal they Dismissed it.

[@WhiteCollarAdviceOfficial]

Good for you!

[@billyjean9484]

The most powerful way to reduce a sentence is rule 35 cooperation. 5 yr / 2 level reduction. Can be done multiple times. 3rd party is accepted.