White-Collar Defense: The FBI Has Targeted You - Now What Do You Do?

By; Ray Shoulders

https://substack.com/@iamreydient

Rays Contact: [email protected]

The Parent-Child Talk for Parents going to prison,

A heartwarming story that all parents facing incarceration deal with.

Ray Shoulders' story helps ease the burden of speaking to those too young to understand.

Please pass Ray's message along to those families facing this problematic talk.

The Power of Your Probation Officer and their Sway with the Court

#PPRSUS, #BOP, #PSR, #WhiteCollar, #crime, #psi, #criminal, #lawyer, #attorney, #ppp, #MoneyLaundering, #arrest,

To call this a life-altering event, at best, is an understatement. With work, I was able to get my license to practice reinstated— Prison is Temporary.

My goal in this series is to provide you with the information you’ll need to survive and navigate these times. Knowledge and Preparation will help build back the confidence you’ll need throughout this process.

• Since you’ve heard that the DOJ and Feds have been asking questions, their case against you is mostly complete, with a

98% Conviction Rate.

• Delaying to act now is at your peril.

• Hiring a legal team doesn’t just mean they have experience; they also need a proven track record of successfully defending cases like yours.

• The choices you make today - will make a better tomorrow.

The Probation Officer who conducts your presentence interview is the most influential person in your life.

Why?

• Because judges listen to their recommendations, the length of your sentence, and suggest a specific prison placement.

• They will conduct your Presentence Interview and Investigation, so please be aware of the need to be prepared and organized before you meet with them.

How?

• You will be asked to provide a lot of information, and it needs to be comprehensive, accurate, and free of spelling errors. This includes copies of;

1) All Biographical and Personal Identification information

2) Birth or baptismal certificate.

3) Car registration papers

4) Department of Welfare records.

5) Details about addictions to substance use within the 12 months before the arrest, including Drugs, legal, illegal, or over-the-counter medications, alcohol, sex crime, or Gambling.

 All relevant documentation must be included in your Presentence Report.

 If you started treatment either before your charge or PSI, provide documentation.

6) Detainers Resolved.

7) Divorce decree.

8) Draft registration card.

9) Employment verification (paystubs).

10) Immigration papers or passports.

11) Income tax reports for the last three years.

12) Marriage certificate.

13) Medical Records: Hospital – Surgical – Pathology and Blood Lab Reports, Copies of X-ray, MRI, CT, Ultrasound, PET Scans, EEG, EKG reports (on Flash Drives or CDs), Prescriptions for Medications and Medical Devices.

14) Military disability information(C-number).

15) Military discharge certificate.

16) Naturalization papers.

17) Professional papers (certificates, licenses, or Seaman’s papers, permits).

18) Proof of residence (rent receipts, property, and mortgage papers, etc.)

19) School diplomas.

20) Social Security Card.

While not required, these are Strongly Encouraged as “Judges” want to get to know you and understand why you committed the crime.

1) Release Plan

2) Your Personal Narrative or Autobiography

 Accepting Responsibility

 Remorse for the victim you’ve harmed.

3) Character Reference Letters

It is best to provide all of your information to the court officer (Probation Officer) one week before your meeting after it has been organized and completed.

Why?

1) Probation Officers are Overworked,

2) have no time and most

3) will actually appreciate you providing everything they need so that

4) they can begin to fill out their Presentence Report Worksheet before meeting you.

5) Then, at the Interview, they have the time to personally get to know you, asking any remaining questions that they may have.

To engage my services or to have your concerns answered, Call me Today: 240.888.7778. This is my Cell and I personally answer and return all calls.

You can also get additional information on my website @: PPRSUS.com.

Halfway House and After - Under Supervised Release#PPRSUS, #BOP, #PSR, #WhiteCollar, #crime,#psi, #criminal, #lawyer, #attorney, #ppp, #MoneyLaundering, #arrest,

 Hello, and thank you for tuning into my Video series, INDICTED AND FACING PRISON: NOW WHAT?My name is Marc Blatstein. In 2006, I, too, was Indicted and convicted of a felony, and to call this a life-altering event, at best, is an understatement. With work, I was able to get my license reinstated— Prison is Temporary. My goal in this series is to provide you with the information you’ll need to survive and navigate these times. Knowledge and Preparation will help build back the Confidence you’ll need throughout this process.·      Since you’ve heard that the DOJ and Feds have been asking questions, their case against you is mostly complete, with a 98% Conviction Rate.·      Delaying to act now is at your peril.·      Hiring a legal team doesn’t just mean they have experience; they also need a proven track record of successfully defending cases like yours.·      The choices you make today - will make a better tomorrow.

Should you have questions, please do not hesitate to call and consider engaging my services at 240.888.7778—this is your life. Part VI)

Supervised Release/ Pre-Trial Supervised Release /Parole/Halfway House·      You Think You’re Out/Done - But You’re Still Under “BOP” Control,·      This could be the Hard Part – No Mistakes – Don’t assume,·      Question Everything Before You Act; ask your Probation Officer or Residential Reentry Manager First and Often. Not hearing back is Not an OK To do what you want to do.·      Some are harder to deal with if – But Make This Temporary. Supervised Release – Probation·      For some, this is the hardest part while on probation or parole, representing approximately double those incarcerated or 3.7 million (state and federal).·      This disrupts families and much more, representing a ‘Catch-22”: a(1)  a condition, regulation, etc., that prevents the resolution of a problem or situation, or(2)  a frustrating situation in which contradictory regulations or conditions can trap you Prison Policy Initiative, Punishment Beyond Prisons 2023:·      Incarceration and supervision by the state, May 2023.·      The top states with the highest numbers of mass punishment (including state prisons, federal prisons, local jails, youth confinement, Indian Country jails, involuntary commitment, parole, and probation) were Georgia, Arkansas, Ohio, Idaho, and Maine last out of 50 states and DC. Even on Parole or Supervised Release, the slightest misstep can send you back to prison for struggling to follow vague and wide-ranging rules or for simply being unable to pay monthly fees, restitution, or other legal-financial obligations.·      These non-criminal behaviors destabilize families, remove hope, and, in some states, appear to be the “go-to” option whenother remedies are a better use of public funds.

 Probation, parole an overlooked population of the criminal justice system, 5/2023.      

Probation or Supervised Release is No Joke. To engage my services or to have your concerns answered, Call me Today: 240.888.7778. This is my Cell and I personally answer and return all calls.You can also get additional information on my website @: PPRSUS.com

The Release Plan- Part II - Understanding Your Restrictions 

#PPRSUS, #BOP, #PSR, #WhiteCollar, #crime,#psi, #criminal, #lawyer, #ppp, #MoneyLaundering, #arrest, 

My name is Marc Blatstein - I, too, was convicted of a felony. To call this a life-altering event, at best, is an understatement. 

My license was eventually reinstated- Prison is Temporary. 

Knowledge and Preparation will help build back the Confidence you’ll need throughout this process. 

• The DOJ has a 98% Conviction Rate. 

• Delaying to act now is at your peril. 

• Hiring a legal team doesn’t just mean they have experience; they also need a proven track record of successfully defending cases like yours. 

Social Security 

SSI benefits are suspended if you are incarcerated for more than 30 consecutive days but less than 12 months and terminated if you are incarcerated for 12 months or longer. 

• You must request to have your benefits reinstated upon your release and provide a copy of your release documents. 

• If your BOP facility has a pre-release agreement with a local SSA office, your Case Manager might be able to help expedite the process so you can start receiving your benefits as soon as possible after your release. 

Re-entering the Community After Incarceration—How We Can Help 

• An individual released from incarceration may be eligible for Social Security retirement, survivors, or disability benefits if they have worked or paid into Social Security enough years. 

• If you believe you qualify, call our toll-free telephone number, 1-800-772-1213 to schedule an appointment. 

• See my SS Post on my Website. Request your medical records 

Arrange transportation 

• The BOP will provide you with transportation if necessary. 

• If you are being picked up by a loved one, make sure they know when to arrive, where to go, and what to expect. 

Release clothing 

• The BOP will provide clothing for your release if necessary. 

• You can have approved clothing mailed to the facility before your release date. 

Change of address 

• Make sure your loved ones know how to reach you after your release. 

• Every halfway house has different rules and restrictions. 

• Stock up on approved commissary items you will need right away. 

• Every federal district has its own set of rules for supervised release. 

• Every state has its own set of rules for sex offender compliance. 

 The Day of Your Release 

• On the day of your release, you will report to R&D (Receiving and Discharge) to complete the required release steps. Procedures may vary at each facility but will include: 

• Physical search (only if you are being released to the custody of law enforcement agents) • Form completion. 

• Dress out (changing into your release clothes) 

• Receipt of any prescription medication, property, and funds, including the balance from your account.

Part V) After Release / Post-Incarceration Service 

• YOU ARE STILL UNDER THE CONTROL OF THE BOP 

--You’re in a Residential Re-entry Center (halfway house) or working with the BOP’s Community Corrections Management. 

Home Confinement (the last six months or 10% of the sentence, whichever is less), and you will transition from the RRC or CSC with another set of rules and requirements. When leaving BOP custody, you will start a supervised release period, which is often three years. 

 © 2021 Probation Information Network LLC www.probationinfo.org 

To engage my services or to have your concerns answered, Call me Today: 240.888.7778. This is my Cell and I personally answer and return all calls. You can also get additional information on my website @: PPRSUS.com

The Release Plan 

#PPRSUS, #BOP, #PSR, #WhiteCollar, #crime,#psi, #criminal, #lawyer, #attorney, #ppp, #MoneyLaundering, #arrest,

Hello, and thank you for tuning into my Video series, INDICTED AND FACING PRISON: NOW WHAT?

My name is Marc Blatstein, and to call this a life-altering event, at best, is an understatement. With work, I was able to get my license reinstated.

Eventually - Prison is Temporary.

My goal in this series is to provide you with the information you’ll need to survive and navigate these times because Knowledge and Preparation will help you regain the Confidence you’ll need throughout this process.

• Hiring a legal team doesn’t just mean that they have experience; they also need a proven track record of successfully defending cases like yours.

• The choices you make today - will make a better tomorrow.

Should you have questions, please do not hesitate to call and consider engaging my services at 240.888.7778—this is your life. The Release Plan I’ve divided into ‘6’ Parts:

Part I)

Starting before your Presentence Interview (and is provided along with your Narrative to be woven into your Presentence Report), you’ve had time to think. You've been,

• Humbled

• Embarrassed

• Regrets that I did – what I did

Part II)

Before your Sentence Hearing (building and after giving more thought to your 1st Release Plan),

• Humbled

• Embarrassed

• Regrets that I did – what I did

• Allocution

Being Nervous is Normal, so prepare your thoughts where they can be pre-written, or in video format.

Part III)

Once inside, here is where it grows – mostly by documenting your Personal Developmental Growth, which includes

• Written reviews (complimentary) of what you've learned from that FSA Program and

• Other constructive things you have been working on in areas of interest to you, including

o Mentoring others or possibly teaching classes.

o Learning a Trade or Occupation that requires training (ie., CDL at Pensacola FPC or at FCC Yazoo City.)

o Personal Growth and Development include Education, whether a GED, Undergraduate or Master’s Degree, and even working towards higher education (maybe a Law degree) if that is where your interest lies

o Do you paint, draw, or write? As long as it’s Constructive - Do something, this could possibly lead to a career.

If you are a CEO, COO, business owner, doctor, or Lawyer and you have been successful, consider teaching a class.

• If you already have a possible job lined up for after release, email, call, or write them to see if it is still available.

Part IV)

Before Release, detail what you will be doing once released.

• You can start by following the example forms developed by Rikers Island, the MN Dept. of Corrections—The National Institute of Corrections Manual, or the Release Plan Prep Guide on my website.

• All of this will, or should (as nothing is Guaranteed), make you appear a better candidate for a Halfway House.

• The beds are limited, and Residential Reentry Managers want to fill these beds with people who will reenter society successfully. Is this You?

• Planning ahead can reduce anxiety and help to facilitate a smoother transition home.

Recommendations from your Case Manager to the Halfway House's Residential Reentry Managers (RRM) that include your Release Plan and could include their support go a long way. But again, nothing is Guaranteed.

What is guaranteed is that RRM are employees, too, and don't want on their record to have had to send someone back to prison due to an infraction. Therefore, they are looking at BOP files to see who is the best candidate for the limited number of beds. You want to be that person.

If you're already at this point, and don’t have the time to wait for my future videos, then give me a call and we can discuss your situation, one-on-one. Once again, my number is 240.888.7778.

PREPARATION FOR YOUR PRESENTENCE INTERVIEW AND REPORT: PART I#PPRSUS, #BOP, #PSR, #WhiteCollar, #crime,#psi, #criminal, #lawyer, #attorney, #ppp, #MoneyLaundering, #arrest,

 Hello, and thank you for tuning into my Video series, INDICTED AND FACING PRISON: NOW WHAT?My name is Marc Blatstein. In 2006, to call this a life-altering event, at best, is an understatement. With work, I got my license reinstated— Prison is Temporary. My goal in this series is to provide you with the information you’ll need to survive and navigate these times. Knowledge and Preparation will help build back the Confidence you’ll need throughout this process.·     Since you’ve heard that the DOJ and Feds have been asking questions, their case against you is mostly complete, with a 98% Conviction Rate.·     Delaying to act now is at your peril.·     Hiring a legal team doesn’t just mean they have experience; they also need a proven track record of successfully defending cases like yours.·     The choices you make today - will make a better tomorrow.

Should you have questions, please do not hesitate to call and consider engaging my services at 240.888.7778—this is your life. It is recommended that you provide your Officer with;·     all their requested documents, including Your Biographical Background (such as medical records), and Personal Identification,1.    Divorce Decree2.    Financial Records3.    School Diplomas, Your highest education level completed, Professional Diplomas, and any Trade or Occupational Certification(s).4.    Marriage Certificate5.    Naturalization papers6.    Draft Registration card7.    Car Registration papers8.    Military Discharge certificate9.    Birth or baptismal certificate9.    Immigration papers or passport10.  Employment verification (pay stubs)11.  Character Letters of Recommendation12.  Military Disability information (C-number)13.  Income Tax reports for the last three years (or more if requested)14.  Outstanding Detainer's and Immigration Issues Resolved before The Presentence Interview15.  Proof of residence (rent receipts, property, mortgage papers, etc.)16.  Professional papers (COPIES: Social Security Card, Drivers’ License, and Birth Certificate.)17.  Medical Records, Hospital – Surgical – Pathology and Blood Lab Reports, Copies of X-ray, MRI, CT, Ultrasound, PET Scans, EEG, EKG reports (on Flash Drives or CDs), Prescriptions for Medications and Medical Devices.“THESE ALL EVENTUALLY BECOME PART OF YOUR RELEASE PLAN”

Personal Narrative Overview - Should Convey·     A sincere demeanor·     An expression of genuine remorse.·     An acknowledgment that there are victims·     Telling your life story, not minimizing the seriousness of what you did.·     This includes The Good – Bad – and The Ugly (…like the old Clint Eastwood Movie)·     Last, your plan to use prison or probation time productively. To engage my services or to have your concerns answered, Call me Today: 240.888.7778. This is my Cell and I personally answer and return all calls.You can also get all of this information, for free on my PPRSUS.com

Former AUSA, Private Counsel, or Fed. Defender- Who's Best?

#PPRSUS, #BOP, #PSR, #WhiteCollar, #crime,#psi #criminal, #lawyer, #attorney, #ppp, #MoneyLaundering, #arrest 

Hello, and thank you for tuning into my Video series,  INDICTED AND FACING PRISON: NOW WHAT?

My name is Marc Blatstein. In 2006, I, too, was Indicted and convicted of a felony, and I lost my medical license. To call this a life-altering event, at best, is an understatement. With work, I got my license reinstated— Prison is Temporary.

My goal in this series is to provide you with the information you’ll need to survive and navigate these times. Knowledge and Preparation will help build back the Confidence you’ll need to help you through this process.

• Hiring a legal team doesn’t just mean that they have experience; they also need a proven track record of successfully defending cases like yours.

• The choices you make today - will make a better tomorrow.

It’s important to interview attorneys before you have your legal team in place – this is your life, and you don’t want any regrets

Asking questions helps you learn if you are a good fit for each other. It’s important to learn if,

•       Do they have experience practicing federal criminal defense in federal court?

• Do they have experience in cases like yours?

• Check To see if they have a disciplinary problem with their state bar, but this is not a deal killer.

Also, do they have a proven track record of

• Will they be willing to provide several current or past clients for you to speak with to ease some of your  concerns and

• Will they provide several sentencing memorandums (Appendix_A-2) for cases like yours for you to read?

• If they mention HIPPA and agree, Adobe allows for redacting all personal information and works better than a black marker.

• You want to see if they all look the same – Not Good

• They should be client or defendant-centered and all legal jargon.

Additionally,

• You should know if the charges will be hourly or flat fees and if payment schedule options exist.

If you want to go to trial (FYI: just feeling that you’re in the right - is not enough), and also

• Don’t anger the judge like Sam Bankman-Fried did, as this had him locked up.

• Don’t forget that the DOJ has a 98% conviction rate.

• Do not alienate the same court that later, you will ask for leniency.

Further strategic questions from them could be:

• How many trials and appeals (or what “%”) have you won, out of how many cases, over the past 3-7 years?

• How big is their current caseload, or how busy are they (considering that a single attorney with a small staff could support 2 or 3 criminal trials per year, working full time)?

While not yet law, is your attorney familiar with the Fairness in Restitution (FIR) Act? If you anticipate owing Restitution, consider requesting that the Government:

• Show actual loss sustained by a victim as a direct and proximate result of the defendant’s actions,

• Eliminate joint liability and ensure that defendants are only responsible for financial losses they themselves caused,

• Provide a right to an evidential hearing for proving or disproving the amounts included in a restitution order,

• Request to change the statutory liability period from 20 to 10 years and prevent extensions.

During the interview, ask them when they believe is the soonest you should begin

• Preparing for your Presentence Interview and NARRATIVE

• Do they believe in the importance of a well-written NARRATIVE and Release Plan?

• When do they believe you should begin asking for Character Reference Letters?

To engage my services or to have your concerns answered, Call me Today: 240.888.7778. This is my Cell and I personally answer and return all calls.

You can also get additional information on my website @, PPRSUS.com.

#PPRSUS, #BOP, #PSR, #WhiteCollar, #crime,#psi, #criminal, #lawyer, #attorney, #ppp, #MoneyLaundering, #arrest,

Hello, and thank you for tuning into my Video series, INDICTED AND FACING PRISON: NOW WHAT?My name is Marc Blatstein. In 2006, I, too, was Indicted and convicted of a felony, and I lost my medical license. To call this a life-altering event, at best, is an understatement. With work, I got my license reinstated— Prison is Temporary.

My goal in this series is to provide you with the information you’ll need to survive and navigate these times because Knowledge and Preparation will help build back the confidence you’ll need throughout this process.· Since you’ve heard that the DOJ and Feds have been asking questions, their case against you is mostly complete, with a 98% Conviction Rate.· Delaying to act now is at your peril.· Hiring a legal team doesn’t just mean they have experience; they also need a proven track record of successfully defending cases like yours.· The choices you make today - will make a better tomorrow.

Cost should not be your only guide, although we can all agree that it is a big factor for most.Ø A Federal Defender who “knows his/her way around his/her district court and sentencing guidelines,Ø Plus is familiar with your judge and has experience in federal cases like yours,” may be equal or better than private counselØ But you’ll only know by asking questions, and this applies to· A former prosecutor who may or may not make a great white-collar defense attorney or· A criminal defense attorney who has experience in both Federal & State Courts· But you’ll only be comfortable deciding who fits you best after asking questions.· It is also beneficial to have another person with you to help in the decision-making process.

If you're already at this point and don’t have the time to wait for my future videos, give me a call, and we can discuss your situation one-on-one. Once again, my number is 240.888.7778.

We recommend asking questions and seeing who you feel you’ll work best with.Having a contract that spells out,1) your specific financial responsibilities,2) that you’ll receive copies of all court filings - before they’re filed,3) that you’ll have time to review plea agreements,4) you’ll have the ability to review discovery and5) that you be “copied” on most if not all, documents at least once a month and6) Last, is there a payment plan option?

It’s only after answering these questions that you feel comfortable with your chosen defense team.

To engage my services or to have your concerns answered, Call me Today: 240.888.7778. This is my Cell and I personally answer and return all calls.You can also get additional information on my website @: PPRSUS.com (and PPRSUS Resources)

#PPRSUS, #BOP, #PSR, #WhiteCollar, #crime,#psi, #criminal, #lawyer, #attorney, #ppp, #MoneyLaundering, #arrest,

My goal in this series is to provide you with the crucial information you’ll need to survive and navigate these times. I’ll cover a new topic every day so that you can move forward with the Knowledge, Preparation, and Confidence you’ll need to get the best outcome.

·    Since you’re already aware that the DOJ and Feds have been asking questions, their case against you is mostly complete; with a 98% Conviction Rate, you may spend some time in prison.

·    Knowledge is power, and now it's in your hands. Delaying to take the next step is at your peril. The consequences of inaction can be severe.

·    Equally important is hiring a legal team that doesn’t just have experience but a proven track record of successfully defending cases like yours. Your future is at stake, and making the right choices now is crucial.

 

Trial or Plea. If you’re unsure, start off with Not Guilty, but if you know that you're guilty, admitting this could result in a lesser sentence.

Do not alienate the judge because you can regroup and prepare for a Successful Presentence Interview even with a guilty verdict.

·    A Plea will save you money in legal bills and possibly help at sentencing because the prosecutor won’t have to spend as much time preparing for a trial.

·    If you plead guilty and cooperate, this ‘may’ be even more beneficial. However, cooperating means providing substantial assistance based on what you have heard or seen, and you cannot lie.

 

Before cooperating, it is best to get a Proffer letter or agreement. A proffer letter is a legal agreement between a defendant, an attorney, and the government.

·    The letter guarantees (kind of) your immunity from everything you say, meaning that the government cannot use any statements made during the meeting against you—unless you aren’t 100% truthful.

 

Trial: Prepare and go to trial, but do not anger the court. 

Once you enter a plea, or if you’ve lost at trial, you still can prevail with a better outcome. This all depends on;

·    What have you done with your time up until sentencing? Have you gotten a job, volunteered, cared for a loved one, or stayed at home doing nothing?

·    Judges want to see if you’re working to rehabilitate yourself.

·    Were drugs (legal or illegal) or alcohol involved in your crime? Have you, on your own, enrolled in Narcotics (or Alcoholics) Anonymous – You’ll also need to obtain a verification document.

Possible White-Collar Personality Types - Is This You?

1.  You’re a bright, high-functioning, and successful individual.

2.  Highly skilled, motivated, and worked long hours for money, promotions, and privileges.

3.  You may be an obsessive-compulsive perfectionist, suffer from depression or anxiety, and have an overwhelming desire to be personally and financially successful.

4.  These desires may cause a generally law-abiding person to engage in inappropriate, illegal behavior.

It does you no good to hire a great Criminal Tax Attorney – if you have a Drug or Healthcare Case.

#PPRSUS, #BOP, #PSR, #WhiteCollar, #crime,#psi, #criminal, #lawyer, #attorney, #ppp, #MoneyLaundering, #arrest,

I’ll provide you with a new topic every day so that you can move forward with the Knowledge, Preparation, and Confidence you’ll need to get the best outcome.Since you know that the DOJ and Feds have been asking questions, their case against you is mostly complete. With a 98% Conviction Rate, you may have to spend some time in prison.Knowledge is power, and now it's in your hands. Delaying to take the next step is at your peril. The consequences of inaction can be severe.Hire a legal team that has experience and a proven track record of successfully defending cases like yours. Your future is at stake, and making the right choices now is crucial.It’s important to ask questions to see if you are a good fit for each other. It’s important to learn if,1)  The attorney practices federal criminal defense in a federal court,2)  Has experience in cases like yours and3)   Check To see if they have a disciplinary problem with their state bar, but this is not a deal breaker. Also, do they have a proven track record of4) Handling cases like yours?5)  Will you be willing to provide several current or past clients for them to speak with to ease some of their concerns and6)  Read several sentencing memorandums (Appendix_A-2) for cases like yours.    a) If they mention HIPPA, agree, but Adobe allows for redacting all personal information and works better than a black marker.7) Potential clients should know if the charges will be hourly or flat fees and if payment schedule options exist.8) If you want to go to trial (FYI: just feeling your right is insufficient), I give you FTX Sam Bankman-Fried and Elizabeth Holmes. Then, don't forget that the DOJ has a 98% conviction rate. Do not alienate the same court that later, you'll ask for leniency when they sentence you.Further strategic questions from them could be:9) how many trials and appeals (or what “%”) have they won, out of how many cases, over the past 3-7 years?10)  The defendants should know that, like SBF, there should be no Witness Tampering - Don't Anger The Court before they ever meet you, as that’s playing Russian Roulette with your life. SBF has 25 years.11)  You may be interested in their current caseload or how busy you are (considering that a single attorney with a small staff could support 2 or 3 criminal trials per year, working full time).12)  While not yet law, is your attorney familiar with the Fairness in Restitution (FIR) Act? If you anticipate owing Restitution, consider requesting that the Government:Show actual loss sustained by a victim as a direct and proximate result of the defendant’s actions,Eliminate joint liability and ensure that defendants are only responsible for financial losses they themselves caused,Provide a right to an evidential hearing for proving or disproving the amounts included in a restitution order,Request to change the statutory period of liability from 20 years to 10 years and prevent extensions.13) When do they believe that you should begin preparing for your Presentence Interview - ASAP14)  Do they believe in the importance of a well-written NARRATIVE and Release Plan?15) When do they believe you should begin asking for Character Reference Letters?  Call today at 240.888.7778. I personally answer and return my calls.