Engineer Early Release

Recently, I had a conversation with a defense attorney from the prestigious Quinn Emanuel law firm. He reached out because one of his clients—a well-known real estate developer—was facing criminal charges. The attorney about steps his client take to get out of prison at the earliest possible time.

It’s a valid question from a person who doesn’t know much about what happens after a judge imposes sentence. Yet without knowing more details, I couldn’t provide a comprehensive answer. 

Navigating any aspect of the criminal justice system requires the same strategy as it takes to climb out of any crisis. It’s best to start with a plan. That plan should become like a rode map, one that the person follows through the end of the journey–anticipating the need to adjust along the way.

Understand the Terrain

I tried to provide an analogy that his client would understand. As a successful real estate developer, I doubt his client would start building before conducting feasibility studies. He’d analyze the soil, the cost of construction, zoning, and determine the highest and best use of the land.

The same strategy would be necessary for a person facing a potential prison term. To build an effective plan, we need to know the starting point:

• Have you been charged?
• Is there an opportunity for a deferred or non-prosecution agreement?
• What statutes are in play, and how might those charges be structured?
• Is a guilty plea, trial, or cooperation the most strategic path forward?
• How would the person define success, knowing that he can’t change the past?

The answers to these questions would be integral to the plan. And just like in real estate, the blueprint, and ability to follow it would influence the result.

The Journey Is Complex—But Not Impossible

Too often, people focus solely on the sentence and how much time the person will serve. Instead, the person should think about all the collateral consequencs that follow a conviction

• Reputation damage
• Loss of income
• Limited career opportunities
• Mental health challenges
• Family consequences

Each person should build a plan that goes beyond the sentence date. Regardless of what sentence the judge imposes, the person should have a plan that will advance his candidacy for the highest level of liberty at the soonest possible time.

When I got the call, I didn’t know anything about the person’s status. A lot of questions would follow:

• If you’ve already been sentenced, you need to know how to navigate the Bureau of Prisons.
• Have you prepared for your Pre-Sentence Investigation Report? 
• Will the person qualify for administrative relief, like the First Step Act?
• In what ways will the person show signs of his commitment to recalibrate?

The answer is always strategy. And strategy begins with mindset.

Become the Architect of Your Life

When I was 23, I went into the federal system with a 45-year sentence. My first year was in solitary confinement. In that dark place, I read books that helped me begin to think differently. As leaders advised: I would become the CEO of my life. I would architect my way out—not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

The opportunity to grow exists even in crisis.

A person might not control what prosecutors do or what a judge decides, but every person can decide how to respond:

• Visualize the best possible outcome.
• Create a plan that will take you from where you are to where you want to go.
• Prioritize decisions.
• Build tools, tactics, and resources.
• Measure progress with accountability logs.
• Adjust as necessary.
• Work toward the plan daily.

As in all aspects of life, every decision comes with opportunity costs. Choose wisely.

Use our Free Resources to Work Toward Results

I didn’t need to speak with the real estate developer or get his story. Each person must invest time to learn about the journey ahead, and start with a plan, knowing that more opportunities always exist in the future for those who prepare. 

At Prison Professors, we provide free resources for anyone who wants to prepare for a better outcome. We make three promises:

1. We will never lie to you.
   
   
2. We will never ask you to do anything we didn’t do ourselves.
   
   
3. We will never charge for the resources we offer to help you grow.
   
   

We offer all types of resources, including opportunities to document the pathway to success with our profile-building tools. 

Questions for Self-Directed Learning

Reflect on your journey and respond to the questions below. Write your answers to build your profile on Prison Professors. Your responses can become an asset that you use to self-advocate for a higher level of liberty.

1. What does the best possible outcome look like in your current situation?
   
   
2. How have your past decisions led to your current challenges—and what decisions can you make today to build a better future?
   
   
3. In what ways are you preparing for administrative relief, such as the First Step Act?
   
   
4. How can you use your time to develop skills, build character, and contribute to society?
   
   
5. What documentation are you creating today that might influence how others perceive you tomorrow?