In this podcast, I share details of a call with an accountant indicted for aiding a Payroll Protection Fraud scam. On our call, I asked questions like:

1. How do the people who investigated your crime view you?
2. With the evidence prosecutors have seen, what do they think about you as a human being?
3. What thoughts do you victims have about me?
4. How have your actions influenced the lives of others?
5. In what ways have my actions influenced the community where I live?
6. What steps can you take today to reconcile with society and make things right?
7. What does the Judge think about your character as a human being with the information they have from prosecutors?
8. What do others know about the influences that led to where you are?
9. If others knew more about the influences in your life, how would they perceive you?
10. Given your past decisions, what is the best possible outcome for my life in the months, years, and decades ahead?

As we explored these questions, we covered some of the stakeholders:

• A federal judge must decide on the possibility of a downward departure and mercy at sentencing.
• A prosecutor who is likely to oppose any pleas for leniency.
• A probation officer who may adopt the prosecutor's narrative.
• A defense attorney who will argue on your behalf at sentencing.
• Prison officials who are responsible for qualifying you for programs that might expedite your release.
• Halfway house officials who will determine your work-related freedoms.
• A separate probation officer will oversee your liberties during Supervised Release.
• A federal judge could be a deciding factor in any future relief.
• Prospective employers evaluate your work potential.
• Prospective creditors weighing the risk and benefit of doing business with you.

To learn more, listen to this podcast.

Best,

Justin Paperny