Best Possible Outcome

What is the best possible outcome from the prison experience? I do not possess the practical firsthand knowledge about surviving a stretch in federal prison. Trudging through the muck of the criminal justice system has been daunting and continues to morph in unexpected ways. My preparation for self-surrender is overwhelming in and of itself, and I recognize my naïve understanding of the prison experience will undoubtedly glow brilliantly. Typically, I prefer to speak from a position of authority, but not this time. The question is, “What is the best possible outcome?”

First the obvious, the best possible outcome is the shortest prison sentence possible. This is my ultimate goal no matter the adversity I might face while incarcerated. Everything I do in preparation for self-surrender, and everything I plan to do after I self-surrender is designed to achieve this desired end. I am of very little utility to my family and friends while locked up; therefore, I place the highest importance on doing everything possible to carve a path towards early release.

The most important step on this side of the prison bars is honesty regarding my history and characteristics, the embarrassing 18 U.S.C. § 3553 (a) (1) factors. The judge wants to learn about the background of the person being sentenced. The lawyers speak of humanizing the defendant in hopes of winning favor from the court at sentencing, but the process seems purposefully designed to degrade the individual. Once I overcame the initial shame and embarrassment of airing my dirty laundry, it became therapeutic. I would dare say writing a letter to the judge describing my particular 18 U.S.C. § 3553 (a) (1) factors ended up being more therapeutic than actual therapy. The process, if done right, requires complete emersion and brutal honesty. It also requires complete humiliation and a very large dose of embarrassment. Be ready.

I initially minimized my abuse of alcohol and the child abuse I suffered as a young lad, and was guarded about almost every other personal detail the pre-sentencing probation officer asked me about. In retrospect, my reaction, though typical, was foolish. I worked long and hard to overcome the mistakes I made in my Pre-Sentence Report (PSR) interview. I am thankful I was able to correct much of my record before sentencing. Ultimately, the probation officer recommended a downward variance at sentencing. The judge agreed and varied downward even more. I received a below guidelines sentence.

Perhaps it was luck, but I believe influencing the outcome requires hard work and dedication. I would image the same focus and attention to detail will serve me well on the other side of the prison bars. How? I decided to clearly define my reasons.

My primary focus is to survive prison with a stronger marriage. It may sound crazy, but I believe something positive can come from incarceration. Perhaps it’s hubris, and I allow the possibility, but I don’t think prison is a deal killer. If not for the economic destruction caused by the federal government when it shut-down the economy during the pandemic, I would not be surrendering to federal prison. I didn’t harm another living human being, and never would. I have never betrayed my lovely wife, and never will.

I will use the prison experience to become stronger. I am a convicted felon, and my wife is proud of me. We’re already looking forward to rebuilding our lives on the other side. I will find a way to use prison to my advantage, build a rock-solid marriage with the woman I love, and come home better than before.