Absolute Power: Politization and Weaponization at the DOJ (With Gary Restaino)
Our founders wanted US attorneys to retain significant independence from the Department of Justice. If that happens, then experienced prosecutors have the credibility and moral fortitude to serve as a buffer between the unfettered power of the government and the people. But the Trump administration wants absolute power. That’s why we’re seeing a slew of…
A Look ahead: Sentencing Developments for 2026
There were big changes in federal sentencing in 2025, and more on the horizon for 2026. So enjoy the first episode of the new year, as we discuss it all with the fabulous Prof. Doug Berman (Ohio State University) and of course, the incomparable Mark Allenbaugh of sentencingstats.com. IN THIS EPISODE: Doug’s Tequila of choice: …
White Collar Support with Jeff Grant, Esq.
To quote the great Rocky Balboa, “it ain’t about how hard ya hit. It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward.” That sums up the incredible journey of attorney Jeff Grant, founder of White Collar Support and organizer of the upcoming White Collar Conference online seminar. IN THIS EPISODE: Jeff’s…
Maxwell’s Silver Hammer (PART II): Transfer to Minimum Camp & Sentencing Post Mortem
In Part II of our deep dive into the Ghislaine Maxwell case, we begin with BOP Prison consultant, Walter Pavlo of prisonology.com to talk about her transfer to a minimum security camp. Then, we resume with Mark Allenbaugh of sentencingstats.com for one of our famous “sentencing post-mortems” to see what we can learn from Maxwell’s…
Maxwell’s Silver Hammer: Part I
The saga of Jeffrey Epstein is ongoing and ever-present in the news. And there are powerful lessons to be learned. But the talking heads are mostly just spinning their wheels. So, if you’re seeking some straight talk and inside scoop about all of it, you’ve come to the right place. This is a 2-part episode,…
Seismic Shift: Big Changes to the Sentencing Guidelines & the Country
Although we often complain about the sentencing guidelines, this week, I find myself thankful that we still live in a country that has courts and due process, in the federal criminal courts. At least for now. So today, we celebrate the death of guideline departures, lament the death of due process in immigration, and worry…
Reign of Terror: Tesla, Luigi Mangione, & Beyond
I’m back. I’ve been in hibernation for the last couple of months, basically paralyzed by what can only be described as a rapid descent into authoritarian hell. In his seminal work, “On Tyranny”, Timothy Snyder warns: “Listen for dangerous words. Be alert to the use of the words extremism and terrorism. Be alive to the fatal…
Anchor’s Aweigh: New Policies and New Proposed Guidelines Find Us Unmoored in 2025
I call this episode “Anchor’s Aweigh” for two reasons. First, there is a potential seismic shift in federal sentencing coming, which would go far to eliminate what we call the dreaded “anchoring effect” of the draconian and deeply dysfunctional sentencing guidelines. If this passes, it will likely be the biggest change in guideline sentencing since Booker was…
The Truth About Restitution in Federal Criminal Cases with Ashley Adams, Esq.
Restitution is often imposed to compensate crime victims for their losses. Done correctly, it can help victims recover and allow offenders to move on after serving their sentence. However, defense attorneys sometimes overlook restitution issues, resulting in burdensome payment orders. These can extend prison time and hinder reintegration after release, making restitution effectively a lifelong…
The Truth About the Presidential Pardon Power With Margaret Love & Mark Allenbaugh
It’s January 2025, and we’re in the final days of the Biden administration. He has had a busy last month or so issuing pardons and commutations. This unfettered power is rightly scrutinized but often misunderstood. The bigger problem is, the whole damn process appears to be broken. And although Pres. Biden has done some good…