When I was under investigation for wire fraud, I did exactly what most people do at first—I panicked, isolated myself, and waited for answers to magically appear. They didn’t.
If you’re reading this because you—or someone you love—has been charged with wire or mail fraud, I want you to know something upfront: this moment is brutal, but it’s also the moment that defines what comes next. And I don’t say that as some outsider. I lived it. I sat in that courtroom. I wore the number. And now I coach people every day who are trying to avoid the mistakes I made.
Let me walk you through what actually matters if you want to get a better outcome—and start to reclaim control.
What Is Wire and Mail Fraud, Really?
Wire and mail fraud are catch-all charges the government uses when they believe someone used electronic or postal communication to deceive and steal. That could mean emails, text messages, websites, even simple mailers. In the case of Aylissa Glidewell, it meant filing fake tax returns to claim employee retention credits for businesses that didn’t exist.
She pled guilty, and now faces serious time—because wire and mail fraud can carry up to 20 years in prison. But here’s the truth most people don’t realize: what you do after the charges hit can change everything.
When I Froze, I Almost Lost My Chance to Help Myself
When I was charged, I didn’t know what to do. I hoped my lawyer would handle it all. I thought if I just laid low, I’d look less guilty. I was wrong.
One of the first things I tell clients now is this: proactive effort before sentencing can cut years off your sentence. But it’s not just about saying “I’m sorry.” It’s about showing it—through action, not just words.
We had a client not long ago who was facing years for a similar fraud case. Instead of waiting around, he started volunteering with a nonprofit teaching financial literacy, documented every step of his progress, and took full ownership of his conduct. His sentencing memorandum didn’t just say he was remorseful—it proved it. The judge gave him a downward variance.
That doesn’t happen by accident.
What Judges Are Really Looking For: Accountability, Not Excuses
Federal judges read right through fake apologies. They’ve heard every excuse. What cuts through the noise is a clear, honest narrative.
When I help someone build their personal narrative, we start with a few simple—but hard—questions:
- What led you here?
- What specific steps are you taking to change?
- Who are you now—and who do you want to be moving forward?
You can’t dodge those questions if you want to earn credibility in court. And by the way—this isn’t just about sentencing. That same narrative will help you reconnect with your family, rebuild trust, and even find work later on.
What I Did Inside to Keep My Life From Falling Apart
When I got to federal prison, I realized fast that surviving wasn’t enough. I had to do something with my time—or the time would do something to me.
So I started writing weekly reflections—letters I sent home, not just to stay in touch, but to show my family that I was growing. I wasn’t asking for sympathy. I was trying to rebuild trust, one page at a time.
That practice became the foundation for the work I do now. It taught me that real change happens in small, consistent ways—not in some dramatic courtroom moment.
The Two Things No One Prepares You For (But You Have to Face)
First, the isolation. No one talks about how lonely this process is. People ghost you. Friends distance themselves. Even your own family might not understand what you’re going through.
You need to rebuild your support system intentionally. That starts with radical honesty—with your partner, your kids, your lawyer, even your probation officer. Be clear about your intentions and your plan. If you don’t know where to begin, start by telling the truth.
Second, employment. It’s not fair, but it’s real: most employers will Google your name and find the worst version of you. That means you have to start small—consulting, freelancing, building something of your own. But the people I’ve worked with who succeed? They don’t waste energy trying to erase the past. They own it. Then they outwork it.
Final Word: Redemption Doesn’t Happen by Accident
If you’re facing wire or mail fraud charges, you have a choice: you can wait and hope, or you can prepare and act.
Every good outcome I’ve seen—lighter sentences, early releases, second chances—started with someone deciding not to waste the time they had before sentencing. They made a plan. They followed it. And they built a track record the judge couldn’t ignore.
If that’s something you want help with, I’m here.
Justin Paperny
P. S. You don’t need to figure this out alone. Join our free Monday webinar at 1 p.m. Pacific. We break down what works, what backfires, and what you should do before it’s too late. Bring questions, take notes, and take control.
