I don't love that I went to prison—but I'm grateful I learned from it. This morning, someone called me an "imbecile" for saying prison gave me perspective. But what's the point of suffering if you don't grow? Inside, I saw men who lived through constant loss without blaming others. That inspired me to stop complaining, start working, and slowly rebuild. Like Confucius said: move a mountain one stone at a time. That mindset gave me a second chance—and I'll keep sharing it.

Join our weekly webinar every Monday at 1PM Pacific / 4PM Eastern.

If your lawyer isn't helping you prepare for sentencing, why are you still taking their advice? A defendant in New Jersey is weeks from sentencing—no narrative, no character letters, no review of his sentencing memo. His lawyer missed the probation interview and dismisses his concerns with "I've got it covered." That's not preparation—that's negligence. You wouldn't keep a fitness coach if you were in worse shape after six months. The same applies here. You must self-advocate. Waiting on someone else could cost you your freedom.

Join our weekly webinar every Monday at 1PM Pacific / 4PM Eastern.

A North Carolina physician asked if his five-month sentencing delay was good or bad. The truth? It depends on what you do with the time. He admitted he spends his days doing nothing, paralyzed by fear, assuming his former U.S. attorney "has it covered." He hasn't worked, hasn't created a release plan, and hasn't documented any rehabilitation. Delays aren't a free pass—they're an opportunity to build a case for leniency. Use them wisely. Otherwise, prison may come sooner—and hit harder—than expected.

Join our weekly webinar every Monday at 1PM Pacific / 4PM Eastern.

A Michigan doctor was stunned when the U.S. Attorney recommended 27 months in prison—despite repaying $3 million and working undercover with the FBI. He thought cooperation guaranteed probation. It doesn't. Prosecutors don't identify with defendants—they often side with victims demanding accountability. If you want the best shot at probation, don't act like it's guaranteed. Prepare like you're facing life. Build a mitigation plan that shows change, responsibility, and daily effort. Cooperation helps—but it's not a free pass.

Join our weekly webinar every Monday at 1PM Pacific / 4PM Eastern.

For me, federal prison was the easiest part of the sanction—it had a clear start and end. I shared this perspective at USC Marshall School of Business, and it surprised some students. Before prison, you're stuck in uncertainty. After, the real challenges hit: losing your career, licenses, and facing restitution. Rebuilding your life is far harder than any time in a minimum-security camp. These are the long-lasting consequences of mistakes like cheating. Understanding the full impact is crucial.

Join our weekly webinar every Monday at 1PM Pacific / 4PM Eastern.

A defendant called me—frustrated—because he didn't agree with his plea deal. Turns out, his lawyer barely knew the facts. Didn't understand how the business ran before things went wrong. Meanwhile, the U.S. Attorney saw him as a career criminal.

Here's the takeaway: You might not love your plea deal, but if your lawyer doesn't fully understand your story, how can he negotiate the best sentence? Write out your full history. Make sure your lawyer knows it inside and out.

Join our weekly webinar every Monday at 1PM Pacific / 4PM Eastern.

When I was a defendant, I made a mistake—I went silent for years, then called an old friend asking for a sentencing letter. He refused. He was disgusted that I only reached out when I needed something. I was embarrassed, but I learned a hard truth: relationships need nurturing. If you're facing federal charges, don't disappear. Stay in touch. Show people you're worthy of their support. If you do that, they'll be there when it matters. If you don't, you'll face sentencing alone.

Join our weekly webinar every Monday at 1PM Pacific / 4PM Eastern.

A defendant expected probation. Instead, he got 120 days in federal prison. He cooperated, repaid the money, and took responsibility. But he failed to disclose unpaid employment taxes for his nanny. That one oversight made the judge question his honesty. The government assumed if he hid this, what else was he hiding? In federal cases, small mistakes have big consequences. The past can't be changed, but you can prepare better. Assume every decision is under scrutiny.

Join our weekly webinar every Monday at 1PM Pacific / 4PM Eastern.

A defendant just sentenced to a year and a day in prison called me to share his mistake: he took the easy way. He outsourced everything to his lawyer, did no real preparation, and expected probation. The right way is harder—it means owning your case, preparing daily, and proving through your own words and actions why you won't reoffend. The government has unlimited resources. You don't. But you do control your effort. Don't leave your future to chance.

Join our weekly webinar every Monday at 1PM Pacific / 4PM Eastern.

A lawyer told a prospective client it was "way too early" to prepare for sentencing. But was it too early for the government to arrest him? Too early for the DOJ to issue press releases? No. The FBI says by the time they knock on your door, 95% of their work is done. Judges want proof of what you've learned and how you'll change—before sentencing. That record takes time to build. Waiting is a mistake. Start today.

Join our weekly webinar every Monday at 1PM Pacific / 4PM Eastern.