Channel Title: White Collar Advice Channel Description: I’m Justin Paperny with White Collar Advice. Since you’re here, I’m assuming that you’re concerned about the possibility of going to prison, or you’re worried about someone who may be going to federal prison. We can help. Let me explain why: Those who’ve been targeted by law enforcement must deal with ancillary consequences: How will this altercation influence earning capacity? How will my life change if I’m sentenced to prison? How will a term of confinement affect my family members? Our team guides those who want to learn how: To serve the least amount of time possible. To make favorable impressions at sentencing. To restore confidence and live a life of meaning during confinement. To return to society with a clear path to a new career. Thank you, Justin <video> Worse Part of Federal Prison Description: </video> <video> They Played Ex-Cons. Could They Pass the Real-Life Prison Test? Description: Go watch this movie! https://www.kino.studio/titles/66e21f429aae0b1ce352a883-every-man-for-himself "Join Justin Paperny and actors Nicholas Logan and Daniel Sharman for the keynote premiere of Every Man for Himself on Kino. In this engaging conversation, they explore life after prison through humor and hard-hitting questions. From renting Airbnbs and forced labor in prison to voting rights and jury duty, Justin tests how much the actors know about reentry challenges faced by people with criminal records. The video includes interactive segments like “Can Cans Do It?” and a lie detector test that reveal surprising misconceptions about life after incarceration. Justin also shares the mission of Prison Professors Charitable Corporation, a nonprofit reaching over a million people in prisons and jails with educational programs designed to help them emerge as contributing members of society. Whether you’re curious about criminal justice reform, reentry challenges, or simply want to see two actors put on the spot, this video offers insight, humor, and a deeper look into the realities of life after prison." Start Here: https://www.whitecollaradvice.com/complimentary-consultation-call/ If you're new to our channel, my name is Justin Paperny. I'm the co-founder of White Collar Advice, along with my business partner, Michael Santos. Our team helps individuals and families navigate government investigations, sentencing, and life after prison. White Collar Advice has guided thousands through this process. Our nonprofit, Prison Professors Charitable Corporation, influences millions of people a year in prisons and jails through our courses, including Preparing for Success After Prison, a First Step Act-approved program in the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Our team is authentic. We will never ask you to do anything we haven't done ourselves and continue to do. Since I lead WCA, our consumer division, let me share more about my journey: 22 years old (1997): Graduated from USC. Took a job as a stockbroker at Merrill Lynch. 25: Accepted an offer to join Bear Stearns in Century City. 26: Accepted a million-dollar bonus from UBS, a competing firm in Century City. 30: Became the target of a federal investigation. 32: Pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud. 33: Sentenced by Judge Stephen Wilson to 18 months in federal prison. 33: Surrendered to Taft Federal Prison Camp. Wrote Lessons From Prison and launched WCA with help from Michael Santos. 34: Released from federal prison to three years of supervision. 35: Began traveling the country, speaking about ethics and white-collar crime. Accepted an invitation to speak at The FBI Academy in Quantico. Wrote Ethics in Motion. 37: Complete three years of supervised release. 39: Married, with a young family. Decided to turn away from a lucrative speaking career and go all-in on White Collar Advice. Launched the WCA YouTube channel. Today: Thousands of successful outcomes. White Collar Advice sponsors Prison Professors Charitable Corporation (donating at least $100K a year). We still never ask anyone to do something we haven't done and still do. Here’s the thing: I know you want the shortest sentence and earliest release from prison—that's a given. But to truly overcome the collateral consequences of a conviction, you have to think bigger: you must begin creating a new record. My only regret is not starting sooner. Thank you for joining our community. —Justin Paperny Call or text anytime: 818-424-2220 FULL DISCLOSURE: We create this content to help people. Watching these videos without implementing what you learn will only set you back. Many people who watch these videos take the next step by scheduling a call and working with us. If you do, you need to be ready to commit to the process and accept that we can’t change the past or guarantee the future. Your success isn’t about dwelling on the past or expecting guarantees. It’s about taking the lead for your family, taking control of this difficult situation, and going ALL IN. If you refuse to quit when bad news comes—and it will—we’ll work with you to turn this experience into an asset, not a weakness. But you must be willing to do whatever it takes—just as I did, and as thousands of people in our community have done, like Nate Schott, Hugo Mejia, Stanley Benton, Tracii Hutsona, Joseph De Gregorio, and Scotty Carper. </video> <video> Why Federal Prison Doesn’t Have To Be A “Useless Life.” #prison Description: Shortly before his sentencing hearing in New York in front of Judge Kaplan, Sam Bankman-Fried said that his “useful life is probably over” as he prepares to enter federal prison. That feeling of despair is common for anyone stepping into the uncertainty of this environment. I felt the same way before I began my 18-month sentence, convinced my life, as I knew it, was over. Then I got to federal prison, and something unexpected happened: I found clarity. For all the fear and anxiety, federal prison can bring focus. For Sam, one source of clarity begins with knowing his release date, as obvious as that sounds. No matter how far away it feels now, it’s a point to work toward—a reminder that this experience will end and relatively speaking he will leave prison a young man around 50 years old. Learning From Others Inside Federal Prison One of the most important parts of my federal prison experience was learning from others who had already navigated it successfully. My friend and business partner, Michael Santos, showed me how to make the most of the time. Michael served 26 years for a nonviolent drug crime, but instead of complaining or giving up, he spent every day working to create opportunities for himself in prison which set up his life after his release in 2013. Sam will meet people like Michael—those who know that complaining or wasting time doesn’t lead to anything productive. These are the people who use the time in federal prison to focus on self-improvement, staying disciplined, and preparing for life after prison. Taking Judge Kaplan’s Words Seriously Judge Kaplan admonished Sam at sentencing. Whether he realizes it now or not, those words were an opportunity to reflect. Sam has a chance to decide how he’ll spend this time in federal prison. Will he focus on contributing, or let this experience pass him by? The opportunity to build something new won’t just fall into his lap—he’ll have to act, as Michael taught me to do. Steps to Take While in Federal Prison: Time in federal prison isn’t just about waiting for release; it’s about preparing for what comes next. That preparation involves specific actions: Focus on Giving Back/Education: This could mean pursuing formal studies, learning a new skill, or teaching others. Plan for Life After Prison: Develop a roadmap for what happens after release—whether it’s rebuilding a career, repairing relationships, or contributing to society. A Choice to Make Federal prison is hard, but it doesn’t have to be the end. Many people have used this time to refocus, build new skills, and lay the groundwork for their release. It was easier for me because I only had 18 months to serve; Michael did it for 26 years. Whatever the sentence, do the work, or the time will slip away. Justin Paperny </video> <video> Changing Times: Longer Federal Prison Sentences for Guilty Pleas Description: Many people presume that pleading guilty and repaying restitution will always lead to a lighter sentence in federal court. It seems logical—taking responsibility, cooperating, and making victims whole should count for something, right? Unfortunately, U.S. attorneys often see things differently. Even when defendants plead guilty some prosecutors frequently push for sentences at the upper end of the federal sentencing guidelines. Their reasoning? The defendant didn’t act quickly enough to accept responsibility. Delays Can Cost You Federal prosecutors argue that when a defendant delays pleading guilty, the government is forced to spend additional resources preparing for trial. This includes gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and planning arguments—all tasks that require time and taxpayer money. Even if the case never goes to trial, U.S. attorneys often claim that these efforts justify a longer sentence. They position the delay as a lack of genuine remorse or accountability. For defendants, this can feel like a double punishment: they’re penalized for their crime and for how long it took them to admit to it. Restitution Isn’t the End of the Story Repaying the money taken in a fraud or embezzlement case is often a central part of a defendant’s strategy to show accountability. While restitution is important, prosecutors don’t always view it as sufficient. They may argue that paying back the money was a legal obligation, not a moral choice, and that it doesn’t erase the crime. From the government’s perspective, the timing of restitution matters almost as much as the payment itself. Was it done proactively or under court pressure? Was it part of an early effort to repair harm, or was it a last-minute attempt to curry favor before sentencing? The Sentencing Guidelines Challenge Federal sentencing guidelines are designed to create consistency in sentencing, but they’re not absolute. Prosecutors often advocate for sentences at the high end of the guideline range, citing aggravating factors like delayed accountability or the complexity of the case. Judges take these recommendations seriously, making it critical for defendants to address these issues directly. What You Can Do For anyone facing federal charges, understanding how prosecutors think is key to preparing a strong defense. Here are three steps to take if you want to avoid being caught off guard: Consider Acting Quickly: Delay can be costly. Pleading guilty sooner shows accountability and helps minimize the perception that you’re wasting government resources. Document Your Efforts: Don’t just pay restitution—document your reasons for doing so and the steps you’ve taken to change. Build a record of accountability that goes beyond financial repayment. Shape the Narrative: Without proactive effort, the government’s version of events will dominate. Create evidence that proves you are more than the charge against you. Show growth, remorse, and a commitment to preventing future harm. Pleading guilty is an important step, but it’s not the end of the story. The government’s focus on delays and resource use highlights the need for a proactive, strategic approach. Acting quickly, being transparent, and building a strong case for leniency can make a significant difference in your outcome. If you or someone you know is facing this situation, don’t wait. The earlier you prepare, the better your chances of influencing the outcome. Justin Paperny </video> <video> From Starstruck to Prison: The Dangers Of Celebrity Access Description: Most people don’t set out to commit a crime thinking they’re doing something wrong. Instead, they rationalize their actions, convincing themselves they’re helping or seizing an opportunity someone else would take anyway. For those with proximity to celebrities, this rationalization becomes even easier. The allure of fame and stardom can cloud judgment, driving individuals to make decisions that violate their ethics and destroy their lives. In the case of the so-called "Ketamine Queen," it was a mix of opportunity and self-deception. Allegedly, she saw her access to fame as a ticket to riches, justifying unethical behavior under the belief that someone else would if she didn’t act. This mindset is not uncommon. Celebrity culture has a way of amplifying ambition while blurring the lines between right and wrong. People become enamored with those they admire, often willing to risk everything to maintain that connection or benefit from it. Yet, these decisions come at a steep price. The truth is, no rationalization can erase the consequences of unethical actions. The justice system doesn’t weigh intentions; it judges outcomes. For those who fall into the trap of using celebrity access to justify their behavior, the end result can be the same—prison. If you’re tempted to rationalize questionable choices, take a step back. Consider the long-term impact of your actions. No opportunity, no matter how appealing, is worth your integrity or your freedom. </video> <video> One Mistake Could Send You To A Medium Security Prison Instead Of A Camp. Description: In this video, I talked about something that happens way too often in prison—guys getting caught with iPhones. It’s not just a rare event. Honestly, it’s almost a daily thing. The question isn’t whether it’s happening; it’s about how you handle it when it does. If you’re in a low-security prison, one goal is to keep transferred to a camp, if you are eligible. The last thing you want is to get transferred to a higher-security facility, especially if you’ve got a shot at going to a minimum-security camp. The difference between those places is huge, and not in a good way if you’re bumped up to a higher-security level. Why Risk It? I get why people are tempted. Having a phone in prison is like having a lifeline to the outside world. You can keep in touch with family, maybe catch some news, or just feel connected to something outside of those walls. But is it worth it? Probably not. Getting caught with a phone doesn’t just mean you lose the phone. It means you could lose a lot more—like privileges, visits, or even your shot at an earlier release. And depending on how serious the situation is, you might end up at a higher-security facility. And that’s a whole different world. What Should You Really Be Focused On? The goal is pretty simple: get through your time without making things worse. Then you can plan and build. If you’re in a low-security prison, your focus should be staying there or, better yet, working your way down to a camp. But to do that, you’ve got to avoid the stuff that gets you in trouble. That means saying no to things like phones, drugs, or any other kind of prison hustle. It’s not easy, especially when everyone around you seems to be getting involved in something shady. But it’s not worth the risk. What Happens If You Make the Wrong Choice? If you do get caught with a phone, the consequences are real. You might get moved to a medium-security facility, which is a whole different experience—more restrictions, less freedom, and a tougher environment overall. I’ve seen it happen to guys who thought they could outsmart the system. They end up with more time, fewer privileges, and a harder road ahead. I know it can feel unfair sometimes like the system is designed to trip you up. And in a lot of ways, it is. But the key to getting through it is staying smart and not giving them any reason to make your life harder. That means keeping your nose clean and avoiding anything that could derail your progress. So What Do You Do? Stay out of trouble. It’s that simple. The system may not be fair, but you’ve got to play the game to get through it. Follow the rules, even when it feels pointless. The people who get through without making things worse are the ones who keep their heads down and stay focused on the bigger picture—getting home. It’s not always easy. But it’s the only way to get through it with your dignity and your shot at a better life still intact. Don’t let small decisions, like sneaking a phone, destroy your federal prison sentence. Justin Paperny </video> <video> He Lied About Federal Prison — And About Being a Doctor. Why? Description: Someone pretending to be a doctor going to federal prison called me. Want to PREPARE for and THRIVE AFTER a government investigation? Go Here: https://www.whitecollaradvice.com/complimentary-consultation-call/ If you're new to our channel, my name is Justin Paperny. I'm the co-founder of White Collar Advice, along with my business partner, Michael Santos. Our team helps individuals and families navigate government investigations, sentencing, and life after prison. White Collar Advice has guided thousands through this process. Our nonprofit, Prison Professors Charitable Corporation, influences millions of people a year in prisons and jails through our courses, including Preparing for Success After Prison, a First Step Act-approved program in the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Our team is authentic. We will never ask you to do anything we haven't done ourselves and continue to do. Since I lead WCA, our consumer division, let me share more about my journey: 22 years old (1997): Graduated from USC. Took a job as a stockbroker at Merrill Lynch. 25: Accepted an offer to join Bear Stearns in Century City. 26: Accepted a million-dollar bonus from UBS, a competing firm in Century City. 30: Became the target of a federal investigation. 32: Pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud. 33: Sentenced by Judge Stephen Wilson to 18 months in federal prison. 33: Surrendered to Taft Federal Prison Camp. Wrote Lessons From Prison and launched WCA with help from Michael Santos. 34: Released from federal prison to three years of supervision. 35: Began traveling the country, speaking about ethics and white-collar crime. Accepted an invitation to speak at The FBI Academy in Quantico. Wrote Ethics in Motion. 37: Complete three years of supervised release. 39: Married, with a young family. Decided to turn away from a lucrative speaking career and go all-in on White Collar Advice. Launched the WCA YouTube channel. Today: Thousands of successful outcomes. White Collar Advice sponsors Prison Professors Charitable Corporation (donating at least $100K a year). We still never ask anyone to do something we haven't done and still do. Here’s the thing: I know you want the shortest sentence and earliest release from prison—that's a given. But to truly overcome the collateral consequences of a conviction, you have to think bigger: you must begin creating a new record. My only regret is not starting sooner. Thank you for joining our community. —Justin Paperny Call or text anytime: 818-424-2220 FULL DISCLOSURE: We create this content to help people. Watching these videos without implementing what you learn will only set you back. Many people who watch these videos take the next step by scheduling a call and working with us. If you do, you need to be ready to commit to the process and accept that we can’t change the past or guarantee the future. Your success isn’t about dwelling on the past or expecting guarantees. It’s about taking the lead for your family, taking control of this difficult situation, and going ALL IN. If you refuse to quit when bad news comes—and it will—we’ll work with you to turn this experience into an asset, not a weakness. But you must be willing to do whatever it takes—just as I did, and as thousands of people in our community have done, like Nate Schott, Hugo Mejia, Stanley Benton, Tracii Hutsona, Joseph De Gregorio, and Scotty Carper. </video> <video> Federal Prison Ends, But Making Amends Does Not Description: I used to think there was a finish line — a point where I could say, I’ve made it. I’m done making amends. I was wrong. No one arrives at redemption. You don’t wake up one day, and the world forgets what you did. It doesn’t work like that. But that’s not a bad thing. It means there’s always room to keep building and proving you’re more than your worst decision. I know it’s not easy. You’ve got a probation officer checking in. You’re navigating home confinement rules. There’s the mental weight of knowing some people will always see you as a headline or a mugshot. But here’s the truth: You’ve got a choice. You can let that stigma define you, or you can start stacking small wins that prove — to yourself and others — that you’ve moved on. That you’re different. What Does ‘Making Amends’ Actually Look Like? Forget the big speeches. It’s not about grand gestures or trying to convince everyone at once. Making amends is in the little things you do every day: Follow through on what you say you’ll do. Reliability goes a long way in rebuilding trust. P ut your head down and do the work. Don’t wait for recognition. Focus on the task in front of you. Stay accountable. If you mess up, own it. Don’t make excuses. For me, it’s not about trying to erase my past. It’s about showing — through actions, not words — that I’ve learned from it. What Happens Now? Look, there’s no magic moment where everything clicks and life returns to what it was. It’s not about “arriving” anywhere. It’s about continuing to show up. When I talk to people in our community, I don’t ask about their plans to erase the past. I ask what they’re doing today to prove they’re different. That’s what matters — your actions, persistence, and willingness to keep going. So, what’s your next step? Not ten years from now. Not next month. Tomorrow. What will you do tomorrow to take one step toward the life you want? That’s how you move forward. One decision at a time. It worked for me. I hope it works for you, too! Justin Paperny </video> <video> How Would You Spend 18 Years In Federal Prison? #federalprison #crypto Description: In this video, we talked about Sam Bankman-Fried’s sentencing. He got 25 years for leading one of the largest financial frauds ever with his failed FTX crypto exchange. Bankman-Fried’s team asked for just over six years, but Judge Kaplan handed down a much longer sentence. He’s 31 now, so if he serves most of his sentence, he’ll get out around age 50. That’s a lot of time in prison, but it’s not the end of the world. Here’s the thing: 25 years sounds like a life sentence. And for a lot of people, it might feel like one. But we've seen this situation from every angle, and here’s how I’d break it down. It’s Not Over Yet First of all, Bankman-Fried is still young. If you’re 31, you have time. Yes 25 years feels like forever, but it’s really not. I’ve seen people come out of long sentences in their 40s and still do something meaningful with their lives: just look at Michael Santos. It’s all about how Sam Bankman-Fried uses his time. Right now, it’s easy for him to get stuck in the past. He might want to blame everyone else for his situation—his lawyers, his team, the system. But that won’t get him anywhere. If he spends the next 18 years focusing on what went wrong or how things weren’t fair, he’ll waste the time he has. It’s just the way it works. The Next Step: Have a Plan If Sam Bankman-Fried doesn’t have a plan, he’s in trouble. You can’t just sit back and hope things get better. That’s not how this works. What he needs to do is start figuring out what the next 18 years will look like, even if he’s still holding out hope for an appeal. Time in prison can feel like a black hole if you don’t have a roadmap. That’s not to say he should give up on his appeal, but he can’t wait for it to change everything. What he can do is take control of what happens next. Here are some things he should focus on: Use the Time to Learn Prison offers a lot of downtime. But it’s also an opportunity to learn. There’s no reason he can’t spend these years getting smarter. He can read books, teachi, take classes, get a degree,: build a new record. There’s always room to grow if you’re willing to put in the effort. Stay in Shape This might sound basic, but it matters. Your physical health affects everything—your mental health, your energy, your focus. If Sam Bankman-Fried gets stuck in unhealthy habits, that will only make the next 18 years harder. But if he works out, stays active, and eats right, he’s got a much better shot at feeling good mentally, too. Focus on Relationships Relationships matter. It’s easy to forget about the people outside while you’re stuck inside, but staying connected to family, friends, or anyone who can be a positive influence is key. Do Not Play The Victim Sam Bankman-Fried is going to face a lot of pressure to play the victim card. Some people do this, and it can be a way to get sympathy or just feel better about things. But that won’t work in the long run. If he wants to make any real progress, he’s got to accept his fate. Embrace The Opportunity Finally, if Sam Bankman-Fried is hoping for a quick fix—an appeal that’ll magically fix everything—he’s going to be disappointed. Appeals take time, and they don’t always work out. He needs to stop waiting for a change in his situation and start changing how he approaches it. Eighteen years is a long time, but he can make something out of it. Time in federal prison doesn’t have to be wasted. There are plenty of ways to make it productive, but only if you’re ready to take the first step and start building. Justin Paperny </video> <video> Prison Guard Jailed After Viral Sex Video — Reaction from Prison Consultant Description: A UK prison guard, Linda de Sousa Abreu, went from enforcing prison rules to breaking them after a shocking video of her engaging in sex with a prisoner surfaced online. The viral footage led to her arrest, a guilty plea, and a strong rebuke from the judge. Now, she’ll spend 15 months in prison, with roughly half served at home. In this video with Law & Crime, I react to the bizarre case, offering insight into what leads prison staff to cross the line — and how it all ties back to poor decision-making and unchecked impulses. What can we learn from this scandal, and why did Linda have a warning for "wannabes" on TikTok? Watch to find out. Justin Paperny Want to PREPARE for and THRIVE AFTER a government investigation? Go Here: https://www.whitecollaradvice.com/complimentary-consultation-call/ If you're new to our channel, my name is Justin Paperny. I'm the co-founder of White Collar Advice, along with my business partner, Michael Santos. Our team helps individuals and families navigate government investigations, sentencing, and life after prison. White Collar Advice has guided thousands through this process. Our nonprofit, Prison Professors Charitable Corporation, influences millions of people a year in prisons and jails through our courses, including Preparing for Success After Prison, a First Step Act-approved program in the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Our team is authentic. We will never ask you to do anything we haven't done ourselves and continue to do. Since I lead WCA, our consumer division, let me share more about my journey: 22 years old (1997): Graduated from USC. Took a job as a stockbroker at Merrill Lynch. 25: Accepted an offer to join Bear Stearns in Century City. 26: Accepted a million-dollar bonus from UBS, a competing firm in Century City. 30: Became the target of a federal investigation. 32: Pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit securities fraud. 33: Sentenced by Judge Stephen Wilson to 18 months in federal prison. 33: Surrendered to Taft Federal Prison Camp. Wrote Lessons From Prison and launched WCA with help from Michael Santos. 34: Released from federal prison to three years of supervision. 35: Began traveling the country, speaking about ethics and white-collar crime. Accepted an invitation to speak at The FBI Academy in Quantico. Wrote Ethics in Motion. 37: Complete three years of supervised release. 39: Married, with a young family. Decided to turn away from a lucrative speaking career and go all-in on White Collar Advice. Launched the WCA YouTube channel. Today: Thousands of successful outcomes. White Collar Advice sponsors Prison Professors Charitable Corporation (donating at least $100K a year). We still never ask anyone to do something we haven't done and still do. Here’s the thing: I know you want the shortest sentence and earliest release from prison—that's a given. But to truly overcome the collateral consequences of a conviction, you have to think bigger: you must begin creating a new record. My only regret is not starting sooner. Thank you for joining our community. —Justin Paperny Call or text anytime: 818-424-2220 FULL DISCLOSURE: We create this content to help people. Watching these videos without implementing what you learn will only set you back. Many people who watch these videos take the next step by scheduling a call and working with us. If you do, you need to be ready to commit to the process and accept that we can’t change the past or guarantee the future. Your success isn’t about dwelling on the past or expecting guarantees. It’s about taking the lead for your family, taking control of this difficult situation, and going ALL IN. If you refuse to quit when bad news comes—and it will—we’ll work with you to turn this experience into an asset, not a weakness. But you must be willing to do whatever it takes—just as I did, and as thousands of people in our community have done, like Nate Schott, Hugo Mejia, Stanley Benton, Tracii Hutsona, Joseph De Gregorio, and Scotty Carper. </video> <video> Why Smart People Make Bad Decisions Description: In this video, I break down the "fraud triangle"—a concept that explains how small, bad decisions can snowball into life-shattering consequences. It's a theory rooted in white-collar crime, but the reality is that anyone facing high-pressure situations can fall into this trap. I'll show you how this played a role in my own mistakes and why understanding it could save you from making the same ones. This isn't just theory—it's about making smarter choices. Pressure: The Invisible Force Pressure is something we all face—it's a constant. But it's never obvious. It builds slowly, quietly, and without warning. The real issue isn't the pressure itself; it's how we handle it. When I was a stockbroker, the pressure was relentless. I had to perform, produce, and prove my worth. Money and status came with weight. But pressure isn't just about work—it's also about living up to expectations. The struggle is knowing when you're pushing yourself to meet the right goals or compromising your values to impress others. Here's the truth: some people face the same pressures and stay grounded. It's all about how you respond. Do you stick to your values or start making excuses to justify bad decisions? Rationalization: The Dangerous Justification Rationalization is the lie we tell ourselves to make bad choices feel acceptable. It's what lets us sleep at night after doing something we know isn't right. And when you're under pressure, it's easy to fall into that trap. I saw it all around me in the industry. Colleagues, peers, even bosses bending the rules, cutting corners, breaking the law—and getting rewarded for it. They were getting promoted, making more money. It's easy to tell yourself, "Everyone's doing it" or "This is just how business works." You start to believe that breaking the rules is the only way to succeed. For me, it began with small justifications. "It's not a big deal" or "I deserve this." But once you start rationalizing, it's a slippery slope. I convinced myself bending the rules was harmless because everyone else was doing it. The pressure I felt made it seem like the only way to stay ahead. And once you're on that path, getting off isn't easy. Opportunity: The Door You Should Never Open Opportunity is where things get real. You can feel all the pressure in the world, and you can rationalize your choices all day long, but nothing actually happens until you act on the opportunity in front of you. For me, I created my own opportunities. I put myself in positions where shortcuts were too tempting to ignore. I saw others taking risks, succeeding, and thought, "Why not me?" The truth is, opportunities don't just appear—they're a product of the choices you make. And once you've opened that door, it's damn near impossible to close it. Sometimes, the opportunity comes from someone else—a higher-up offering you a way to cut corners or bend the rules. But at the end of the day, it's your decision whether to walk through that door. And once you do, you're walking straight into consequences. What You Can Do Now Understanding the fraud triangle isn't about making excuses for your mistakes—it's about owning up to them and recognizing what led you there. When you know the factors behind your wrong decisions, you're in a better position to avoid making the same mistakes again. Take a hard look at your life. Are you under pressure? Are you justifying choices that you know aren't right? Are there opportunities tempting you to cross lines you shouldn't? Step back. Ask yourself the tough questions.  Discussion Question: How has pressure influenced some of the choices you've made, and what steps can you take to respond differently next time? Join us every Monday at 1 PM PST / 4 PM EST for our weekly webinar! </video> <video> The Hidden Sentence Too Few Defendants Prepare For Description: The hardest part of a federal prison sentence isn’t the time served. It’s the fallout—the way life unravels when you walk out the gates. For many, it’s losing a career they spent decades building. For others, it’s seeing their name in a headline that never goes away. The real punishment begins when the government is done with you, and that’s when the weight of this new life can crush people. I’ve sat across from lawyers who told me, “I broke the law. I know it. But I can’t plead guilty. If I lose my license, I’ll never make another penny.” They weren’t thinking about what happens after the plea—or the prison term. They were stuck on that license, that identity, that title. Too often, people fight cases because they can’t see past their careers, their reputations, or their egos. They don’t think three, five, or ten years ahead. They’re focused on what’s being taken away, not what they can still build. And that mindset costs them everything. Why the Immediate Fallout Isn’t the Whole Story I understand why people panic about losing a license or seeing their name in the press. I’ve been there. I remember walking that track in prison knowing that my career in finance was over. At the time, it felt like the end of my life. But here’s what I tell every client: If you stay stuck in what’s gone, you’ll miss what’s possible. A law license, a medical license, even a six-figure career—that’s not the whole of who you are. It’s a chapter in your story. The real question is: What will the next chapter say? I’ve seen people go through this the wrong way. They’re too proud to admit defeat, so they fight—and lose everything. They sit in a courtroom, watching their families fall apart. They take their case to trial, thinking they’re protecting their career, and end up with more time in prison than they ever imagined. Then I’ve seen the people who get it right. They start thinking beyond the next six months. They start asking: What kind of life do I want when this is over? What steps can I take now to make that life possible? They lose their licenses, their public image takes a beating—but they’re still standing. And more importantly, they’re rebuilding. Work Backward From the Life You Want One exercise Michael taught me and one I share with everyone in our community is to picture life after this experience. Not the day you walk out of prison—but five years down the road. What do you want your family to see when they look at you? What kind of work do you want to do? What’s your legacy? Then work backward. Figure out what you need to do now to make that future possible. I’ve seen doctors lose their licenses and become sought-after consultants. I’ve seen former CEOs launch nonprofits that change lives. It’s possible. But only if you start making decisions today with that future in mind. The Real Punishment? Staying Stuck in the Past Federal prison isn’t the real punishment. It’s letting this experience define the rest of your life. Some people let that happen. They stay bitter. They hold on to the past, replaying what they’ve lost, refusing to accept that life is different now. Others get to work, building a new life, focusing on what’s next. That’s the difference between people who make it through and those who get crushed by the collateral damage. The people I admire most aren’t the ones who avoid mistakes. They’re the ones who own their story and decide what happens next. You’ve already lost enough. Don’t lose the future too. See you Monday. Justin </video> <video> Would You Rather Stay In Federal Prison Than Drive For Uber? Description: In this clip with Jordan Harbinger, we discussed rebuilding after federal prison and the importance of work. Jordan asked about people who expect to walk out of federal prison and land a high-paying job. He said, “They don’t want to do the work it takes when they get out. They think, ‘I’m not going to drive for Uber. I’m not going to work at Chipotle if they’ll have me.’” That mindset sums up one of the biggest mistakes people make after a white-collar conviction. When I came home from federal prison in 2009, I didn’t have a corner office waiting for me. I worked as a receptionist for three months. I answered phones, poured coffee, licked envelopes, and sent faxes. That job wasn’t glamorous, but it was a start. It was my first step toward creating a new, law-abiding record after prison. I’ve seen others do the same—take entry-level jobs and use those opportunities to rebuild. Unfortunately, I’ve also heard from people who refuse. One person said to me, “I’d rather stay in jail than drive for Uber.” Another said, “I have an MBA from a top school. I can’t take a job at a fast-food restaurant.” That refusal to accept reality shows entitlement and a lack of accountability. It’s the wrong message to send to judges, probation officers, or potential employers. Rebuilding after prison requires humility and a willingness to work, no matter the job. In Lessons From Prison, I shared details on the life I hoped to lead after prison–that life included gratitude, humility. The first job you take after release won’t be your last. It’s a step toward something better. Judges don’t want to hear empty promises; they want evidence. Probation officers and potential employers respect people who do the work to rebuild their lives. Driving for Uber or working at a restaurant may not be your long-term career, but it shows that you’re serious about living differently. One client I worked with, a former CFO, took a job delivering packages after prison. At first, he struggled with the stigma of being recognized by former colleagues. But he stuck with it. That job became a key part of his comeback story. It showed his family, the court, and his community that he was committed to earning an honest living. Over time, he leveraged that experience to rebuild his network and find consulting opportunities. Another client started working as a grocery store stocker. He went from feeling embarrassed to recognizing the importance of reliability and consistency. Today, he runs a successful multi million dollar business—a result of the habits he built by showing up and doing the work. Judges and probation officers don’t care about your past job title. They care about your willingness to make things right. Judge Pearson told me, “Defendants must treat sentencing like a full-time job. It’s their responsibility to share every fracture that led to that courtroom and their plans to never return.” That plan must include creating a new record through honorable work. People often tell me they’re waiting for the right opportunity. Waiting is a mistake. Rebuilding is a phased process. You’re not going to walk out of prison and step into a six-figure job. What you do in your first year out matters more than you think. You can’t talk your way back into society’s good graces; you must show that you’ve earned it. In Lessons From Prison, I wrote about incremental steps. Taking a receptionist job didn’t mean I’d be answering phones forever. It meant I was serious about rebuilding. The same is true for anyone coming home. Your first job isn’t your final job. It’s the start of your new record. If you’re coming home from prison, ask yourself: What message am I sending to judges, probation officers, and future employers? Am I willing to start small to prove I’ve changed? Do I understand that what I do today will impact my future opportunities? Rebuilding after federal prison isn’t about avoiding the work. It’s about embracing it. By taking that first job—no matter what it is—you’re proving that you’re accountable, resilient, and ready to contribute. That’s the message you want to send. The opportunities will come, but only if you’re willing to take the first step. Justin Paperny </video> <video> A White Collar Defendant Thought He’d Get 5 Years — Now He’s Facing Life Description: I had a call this morning with someone new to our community, and frankly, it’s been sitting with me all morning. He gave me permission to share his story, and I’m doing it for one reason: so you don’t make the same mistakes. Here’s what happened. This man made a critical decision to listen to someone who should never have been giving advice. He hired someone who did a year in Miami camp, someone who claimed to be an expert simply because they served time. And that person started dispensing legal advice — countering what his actual lawyers were telling him. Why? Because people going through this process often want enablers. They want someone who will tell them what they want to hear. “I’ll pay you, you tell me what I want to hear.” But the problem is, it feels good in the moment. It gives you hope — false hope. And that false hope can lead to devastating, life-changing consequences. “The Price of Rolling the Dice” In this case, the government had been investigating him for years. He convinced himself that since he hadn’t been indicted yet, maybe the case wasn’t that strong. He thought they’d forgotten about him. Then the indictment came. The government offered him a plea deal — 60 months, max. That’s five years. But with programs like RDAP, the First Step Act, and good planning, he could’ve been home in less than two years. But part of him couldn’t accept it. “I didn’t do it. I’ll take my chances at trial.” And that’s exactly what he did. He listened to the wrong advice, rolled the dice, and went to trial. He lost. Now? He’s looking at a life sentence. He texted me last night, saying, “They want to put me away for life. I thought the worst-case scenario was five years. I thought maybe four, maybe seven. I never thought they’d ask for life.” “This Didn’t Have to Happen” The guy owns it. He said, “The fault is mine. I should’ve listened to my lawyers.” And I respect that. Taking responsibility matters. But the point is: this didn’t have to happen. He could’ve listened to his lawyers. Instead, he chose to listen to someone who had no business giving advice — someone who told him what he wanted to hear instead of what he needed to hear. That’s why I’m sharing this with you. Because there’s a lesson here. The government is asking for life. Will the judge give him life? I don’t know. Maybe. Maybe not. But here’s the problem: once that request is out there, it sticks. It anchors in the judge’s mind. It’s like seeing a $2,000 bottle of wine on a menu. You won’t order it, but it makes that $300 bottle look reasonable by comparison. Now, that judge is looking at him as someone who: Didn’t take responsibility. Created victims and didn’t care. Went to trial instead of cutting a deal. And you better believe that prosecutor is standing there saying, “This guy’s a menace. He’s done it before, and he’ll do it again.” That’s the story being told in court. “The Danger of Jailhouse Experts” I’m not a lawyer. I don’t pretend to be. I don’t negotiate plea deals. That’s not my job. My job is to help people prepare for leniency by taking their own actions to demonstrate they’ve earned it. “What You Should Be Doing” Here’s what you should focus on — and it has nothing to do with predicting the future or trying to game the system. Ask yourself: What’s the government’s version of events? What story are they telling about you? What can you do — today — to prove you’re different? The government isn’t going to stop painting you as the bad guy. It’s your job to build a record that shows why that version is wrong. If you haven’t taken the time to figure out what matters to your stakeholders — the judge, the prosecutor, the probation officer — then you’re not serious about getting the best outcome. “Final Thoughts: You Get One Shot” There are no do-overs in this process. So stop listening to people who tell you what you want to hear. Stop looking for enablers. The only way to get through this with the best possible outcome is to face the reality of what you’re up against. Understand the government’s perspective. And do the work to prove — through your own efforts — that you’ve are a candidate for leniency, even if you went to trial. That’s it. No magic tricks. No shortcuts. Just real work, every day, to rebuild through crisis. Thank you for joining our community. —Justin Paperny </video> <video> The Cost Of Doing Nothing In Federal Prison—And How To Avoid It Description: Boredom in a minimum-security camp isn’t just inconvenient; it can quietly ruin you. It turns short sentences into endless days and leaves people unprepared for life after release. Here’s why boredom is so destructive and, more importantly, how you can avoid falling into that trap. The Soul-Crushing Routine Inside Camp Here’s a typical day for many in a minimum-security camp: Wake up at 6:00 AM. Eat in the chow hall. Watch TV for hours. Play cards or dominoes. Prep for a weekly softball game as if it’s the World Series. (to learn more about how this is destructive, listen to our New York Times Podcast) Does that sound productive? It’s not. Yet many choose distractions over hard work. Why? Because it's easier to zone out than confront tough questions like: What’s next for me? How will I rebuild? What steps can I take to prepare for life after prison? Avoiding these questions might help pass time, but it leaves you unprepared for the uphill battle waiting after your release. The Cost of Distraction Life after federal prison isn’t a clean slate; it’s a challenge. Watching TV, playing cards, or taking mindless jobs might feel harmless, but wasted time could have been spent preparing for your release. Those who spend their sentence zoning out face tougher transitions with no plan for careers, finances, or relationships. Four Steps to Break the Cycle of Wasted Time Here’s how to use your time in camp to build a better future: Create a Purposeful Routine Don’t drift through the day. Set goals for reading, writing, or learning something new. Your routine should keep your mind sharp and focused on life after prison. Maximize First Step Act Programs Educational programs aren’t just about killing time—they’re about reducing your sentence and building new skills. Take advantage of every course you can: financial literacy, vocational programs, or even earning a GED. Limit Mindless Distractions TV and card games won’t help you rebuild your life. Set boundaries on passive entertainment and spend time on productive activities, like writing letters to loved ones or creating a post-prison plan. Start Preparing for Life After Prison Now Think beyond your sentence. Lost your job? Start brainstorming new career paths. Damaged relationships? Use your time to rebuild trust through honest communication. Small steps now will save you months of struggle after release. Why This Matters I’ve seen too many men walk out of federal prison completely unprepared for what comes next. The boredom they leaned on for comfort left them facing a harsh reality without a plan. Don’t let that happen to you. Boredom can destroy you—or it can be an opportunity to build the foundation for your next chapter. Use it wisely. Join us at 1 PM PST tomorrow! We’ll cover strategies for staying productive in prison and avoiding the trap of boredom. Justin Paperny </video>

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I’m Justin Paperny with White Collar Advice. Since you’re here, I’m assuming that you’re concerned about the possibility of going to prison, or you’re worried about someone who may be going to federal prison.

We can help. Let me explain why:

Those who’ve been targeted by law enforcement must deal with ancillary consequences:

How will this altercation influence earning capacity?
How will my life change if I’m sentenced to prison?
How will a term of confinement affect my family members?

Our team guides those who want to learn how:

To serve the least amount of time possible.
To make favorable impressions at sentencing.
To restore confidence and live a life of meaning during confinement.
To return to society with a clear path to a new career.

Thank you,
Justin

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