What Hidden Excuses Creep Into Letters, Even When You Think You're Accepting Responsibility?

I admire when people try to create assets—letters, statements, narratives—for sentencing. But if you send the wrong message, it can backfire. In this episode, I walk through a real example of what not to do. The letter sounded polished, but the message was all wrong: I'm not like other criminals. Everyone in my industry did it. Prison isn't necessary for me. Judges don't hear remorse in that—they hear arrogance, excuses, and zero empathy for victims. Judge Bennett once told us a good allocution can reduce a sentence if it shows responsibility, a plan, and real change. The opposite is also true: the wrong letter can make a judge believe you've learned nothing. Don't be "Joe," the defendant who thinks he's helping but convinces the court he doesn't get it. If you're preparing your message, start now, test it early, and make sure it reflects growth, not excuses.

Justin Paperny