When someone reaches out to our team after insurance fraud charges, they’re usually overwhelmed. They’ve read the indictment, Googled what the government might ask for at sentencing, and realized just how serious this is.
I’ve been there. Before my own sentencing for securities fraud, I didn’t know what to do first—or who to trust. That’s why we built White Collar Advice: to provide people with a clear path through the chaos, based on real experience.
Whether you’re dealing with a multi-million dollar case or something less complex, the core principles are the same. You can’t afford to wait. Here’s where we begin.
1. Stop Hiding—Start Responding
Most people spend the first few months hoping things will blow over. They won’t. I spent that time in denial and regret it every day. The sooner you start responding with action—real action—the better your outcome will be.
The day I entered my plea in Los Angeles federal court, I didn’t feel relieved—I felt responsible. That shift allowed me to prepare, not just react.
What to do now if you are facing insurance fraud charges:
- Write a personal statement. Not a pitch. Just an honest explanation of what happened.
- Back that up with changes. Judges and probation officers notice when you’re doing the work—not just saying the words.
2. Keep a Record That Matters
Most defendants facing insurance fraud charges show up to sentencing with nothing meaningful to show the judge. No letters. No plan. No documentation of what they’ve done since the charges.
When I was in prison at Taft, I wrote every day. It wasn’t therapy—it was discipline. That writing helped me organize my thoughts, document my growth, and later, show others I wasn’t wasting my time.
What to do now:
- Start a daily journal. Track how you’re thinking, what you’re learning, and how you’re preparing.
- Use it to build a record—something a judge, probation officer, or employer can actually read and evaluate.
3. Build a Plan That’s Real
Going into sentencing or prison without a plan is one of the most common mistakes we see. People think they’ll figure it out once they get there. They don’t.
Early in my sentence, I began reading books that challenged me to think long-term—Mandela, Frankl, others who endured hardship with intention. That helped me turn prison into something useful. Without that mindset shift, I would’ve drifted like most do.
What to do now:
- Identify what you want to improve: education, finances, family, health. Be specific.
- Break that down into small, weekly goals. Then track them.
- Stay consistent. This process rewards structure, not speed.
4. Choose the Right People Around You
During my sentence, I met Michael Santos. That friendship changed my life. Not because he had the answers, but because he was committed to growth. We held each other accountable.
Today, we bring that same mindset to our clients. You can’t control the system, but you can control who you let influence your thinking.
What to do now:
- Eliminate the noise. If someone’s telling you to just “do your time,” move on.
- Spend time around people who expect you to show up with effort and consistency.
- Join our weekly webinar. You’ll hear real questions and real strategies from people doing the work.
5. Start Rebuilding Before You’re Home
You don’t rebuild your life the day you leave prison. You start before sentencing. That’s how reputations get restored—through work, not promises.
Since my release, our team has worked with over 1,000 people. The ones who made progress weren’t the ones with the best lawyers. They were the ones who prepared early, took feedback seriously, and stayed accountable—even when no one was watching.
What to do now:
- Identify how your skills and experience can still create value.
- Begin reconnecting with people you trust and respect. Don’t ask for favors—just let them see how you’re preparing.
- Document your progress, because at some point, someone will ask what you’ve been doing. Make sure you have something to show them.
Final Thoughts
Insurance fraud charges will change your life. But how it changes your life depends on what you do now—not later.
We’re not here to give you empty reassurance. We’re here to show you how to get through this with structure, clarity, and credibility. Whether you’re preparing for your pre-sentence interview or trying to understand what prison will actually look like, our team can help.
Next step: Join our weekly webinar. You’ll get specific answers, honest feedback, and a clear understanding of how to prepare.
Justin Paperny
