White Collar Advice

A doctor awaiting sentencing laughed at the idea of working at Home Depot, thinking it was beneath them. That attitude sends a bad message to judges. They don't care about your past title—they care about humility and accountability. Taking any job, even one that feels beneath you, shows the court you're serious about rebuilding trust. Defendants who reject ego and embrace responsibility often get...

Congress passed the Stock Act to prevent insider trading among politicians, yet enforcement is inconsistent. Lawmakers who profit from non-public information often avoid consequences, while everyday people—like a Texas father of four—face federal prison. He made $150,000 on insider information and now surrenders, fully accountable. If you're in a similar position, focus on what you can control: ow...

The first two people I heard from after getting out of prison were Paul Bertrand and David Willingham. Paul was the FBI agent who arrested me. David was the AUSA who prosecuted me—until he left to become a defense attorney right before my sentencing. Both of them said the same thing: "We're proud of you. It's clear you've learned your lesson and want to help people. Wishing you success." A few mon...

Elizabeth Holmes is back in the headlines, saying federal prison is "hell and torture. " When I read her interview, I wasn't surprised. Here she goes again. Holmes has struggled to shape her narrative. Now, instead of the brilliant Silicon Valley founder, she wants to be seen as the struggling mother, the misunderstood dreamer, the prison reform advocate. But when you strip away the emotion, what...

In this episode, I break down the federal sentencing guidelines, the proposed changes by the U.S. Sentencing Commission, and what they mean for defendants preparing for sentencing. I share real stories, including how David Moulder and Klete Keller used preparation and accountability to influence their outcomes. Learn how to address the § 3553(a) factors, take control of your narrative, and build a...

When faced with a government investigation, your early decisions can influence the outcome, including how long you serve in federal prison. In this episode, I share stories of two individuals—Dan, whose attempt to cover up financial fraud led to obstruction charges and a longer sentence, and Lisa, who faced her mistakes head-on, avoided criminal charges, and resolved her issues proactively. I'll d...

The precharge phase is a tense and uncertain time, but it's also an opportunity to take steps that can influence whether you face lesser charges, avoid an indictment, or endure a long investigation. By being proactive—consulting with the right lawyer, preserving evidence, and demonstrating accountability—you can take control of your situation. Waiting, hiding evidence, or freezing in fear often ba...

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...

If you are a defendant, just do the opposite of Sean Combs. Justin Paperny

  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...

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...

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...

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 Stra...

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 r...

Tina Peters: 10 Critical Mistakes to Avoid in Prison

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 f...

"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 investi...

In this podcast with Law & Crime, I explore what Sean "Diddy" Combs is likely going through in solitary confinement at a federal detention center. The experience can be brutal, especially if he focuses on things beyond his control, like when he can call home, the limited exercise, and the poor living conditions. I explain how Diddy can make his situation more bearable by learning from others who h...

Roald Dahl's The BFG may seem like a simple children's story at first glance , but it offers profound insights that can be incredibly useful for someone preparing for a government investigation. Through its characters and narrative, the book explores essential qualities like strategic thinking, humility, resilience, and the importance of alliances— traits that are crucial when navigating the compl...

In this interview with Angenette Levy from Law & Crime, I discuss the recent arrest of Sean "Diddy" Combs on racketeering and sex trafficking charges and what his future could look like if he remains in custody. We cover what life in jail might be like for someone of Diddy's profile, the steps he could take to navigate this difficult period, and how high-profile defendants manage their time in fed...

My daughter Alyssa and I have gone through every Roald Dahl book together, reading and listening. After we finished "Charlie and the Chocolate Factory," I told her, "This is a story of vice versus virtue." She just laughed and said, "OMG!" I added, "I think I'm going to write book reports and film podcasts for each book." And again, "OMG!" she said. So, here we are with the first one! In this epis...

In the second video/podcast of my 10-part government investigation series, I share insights from the period following my meeting with the FBI. After lying to the FBI, I was told by my lawyers that I had just obstructed a federal investigation. Yet, for several months after that, I didn't hear from anyone—no calls from my lawyers, no news from the government. This lull gave me a false sense of secu...

In our webinar/podcast yesterday, Judges Bennett and Bough explained precisely how to take control of your narrative and prepare for sentencing. We also heard from a former Probation Officer, who shared how your preparations won't just influence your sentencing—they'll impact how quickly you could get released from prison and the level of freedom you have afterward. Some of you will act on this ad...

When you first enter federal prison, it's easy to fall into the trap of thinking that your time there is simply something to endure. Many people convince themselves that once they're out, they can start fresh, and what happens in prison won't matter. This couldn't be further from the truth. Your decisions during prison will set up the coming years of your life. Let's consider two individuals with...

Many people continue to make bad decisions after they become the target of a federal investigation. I'm excited to introduce my friend, Andrew Bernstein, a Fox Rothschild partner specializing in white-collar criminal defense and government investigations. Andrew has a unique background, having started as a New York City public defender dealing with serious crimes, which laid the foundation for his...