How to Change the Narrative of a Crime

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This is the most important view the defendant will ever have, and you'd be stunned at how many defendants do not prepare. The firm's expert in written narrative brad rouse has served time in federal lock up about 15 years ago. He fell heavily into drug use and ended up dealing five, six, seven types of drugs until some ten agents burst into his west village apartment. Often when clients first encounter him they are in that post plea misery marked by thousand yard stairs and near catatoni. It's a delicate time. And somewhere in there is this speed bump in the narrative your crime.

People heading to court often turn to the internet for guidance. In so doing, many come across the work of Justin Paperny, who dispenses advice on his YouTube channel. His videos offer preparation advice and help manage expectations, while providing defendants information to be able to hold their current lawyers accountable, and to try to negotiate a lighter sentence.

Mr. Paperny, a former financial criminal, also leads White Collar Advice with his partner Michael Santos, another former convict. The firm is made up of 12 convicted felons who each have their own consulting specialty based on where they served time and their own sentencing experiences.

The journalist Jack Hitt relates the story of the two men and the details of their firm, which “fills a need in 21st-century America.” It is, Mr. Hitt writes, “a natural market outgrowth of a continuing and profound shift in America’s judicial system.”

This story was written by Jack Hitt recorded by Audm. To hear more audio stories from publications like The New York Times, download Audm for iPhone or Android.