Dr. M Blatstein's Blog

INDICTED: KNOWLEDGE, SUPPORT AND PREPARATION – PRISON IS TEMPORARY

WITH KNOWLEDGE, SUPPORT, AND PREPARATION – PRISON IS TEMPORARY. HOW QUICKLY IS UP TO YOU

To call this a life-altering event, at best, is an understatement. My goal in this series is to provide you with the information you’ll need to survive and navigate these times.

Knowledge, Support, Grit, and Preparation will help build back the confidence you’ll need throughout this process.

Admiral McRaven gives great advice because these obstacles are universal. He speaks to the challenges we all face through an inspiring speech regarding the challenges women and men face as they aspire to be Navy Seals. While these challenges appear vastly different on the surface, there are many common trigger points from my perspective.

This short video should leave you with hope through grit, perseverance through frustration, and “Not Ringing The Bell” because prison (if that happens) is a temporary albeit Big bump into your future— but with a new beginning.

Preparing for your Presentence Interview, Sentencing, and Release Plan creates a Daily Routine to Follow once inside, making the transition to your release start on Day One.

Internalize His Ten Steps Toward Your Future, Because  It’s Now Up To You.

  1. START THE DAY WITH A TASK COMPLETED – MAKE YOUR BED
    • By these soldiers making their beds, a small, simple task is completed each day first thing.
    • As panicked and terrified one may feel, it’s normal as we each deal with these stresses individually.
    • Accept support from those around you, but when you hear rumors that the FBI is asking questions, now is the time to plan
  2. FIND SOMEONE TO HELP YOU THROUGH LIFE
    • As this group of young men and women face these mental and physical challenges, they begin to work together.
    • Getting support from those closest to you is a good start. Having them with you as you begin interviewing lawyers gives you a second opinion when it’s most needed.
  3. RESPECT EVERYONE
    • In the competition and toughness of Seal Training, they learn quickly that the leaders may ultimately be different from what they initially perceived.
    • Respect is very important in prison, so go out of your way to learn the nuances of life inside before you get there. For example, don’t just sit on anyone’s bed; personal space is treasured, so ask permission. The basics: don’t steal from others or try to make ‘friends’ with the guards.
  4. LIFE IS NOT ALWAYS FAIR,
    • After making one’s Bed,” even doing everything right, their drill sergeants may find fault in everything they’ve done correctly. 
    • Why? Because this is what they wanted as they thinned the herd of trainees.
    • While there are innocent people in prison, if you believe in your heart that you were at least partially responsible, admit this and own it.
  5. DON’T BE AFRAID TO FAIL
    • Training to become a Seal requires a special person because failure is sometimes not an option and must be overcome.
    • The only way to know success is through failure; the best of the best complete their training by adapting and learning.
    • If you and your counsel KNOW you’re innocent (and the DOJ has it wrong), then go to trial, But first ask your attorney how many cases have they won.
    • Do understand that the DOJ has a 98% conviction rate; therefore, prevailing is less than 2%.
    • Don’t anger the court and judge, as there is a very high percentage that you will be back asking for leniency. 
    • If you lose, all is not lost because a well-written Narrative and Release Plan could save the day. Accepting Responsibility and Remorse for the Victims Harmed could endear you to the court.
  6. SOMETIMES, HIT LIFE HEADFIRST 
    • Whether you are a Criminal Defendant or Training to become a “Seal,” if you’re going to succeed, you’re going to have to fight until the end.
  7. FACE DOWN THE BULLIES
    • In Seal training, it’s the famous Drill Sargents who are constantly trying to get you to Ring The Bell.
    • While facing federal indictments, it’s fear (your internal demons) and the loss of control. 
    • Comprehensive Preparation for Your Presentence Interview. To date, your attorney knows the law—but not who you are.
      • A well-written Personal NARRATIVE and Release plan can help them – help you.
  8. STEP UP WHEN TIMES ARE THE TOUGHEST
    • Whether it’s the Physical and Mental stresses of the famous Seal Team Training or confronting your inner demons to Participate in your defense both in court and then in prison, these two events, while different, are also the same!
  9. HOPE – LIFT UP THE DOWNTRODDEN
    • If a Washington, Lincoln, King, Mandela, and even a young Pakistani Malala can succeed in the face of adversity, so can you.
  10. NEVER GIVE UP
    • The Bell didn’t get rung!
    • You’ve prepared a comprehensive file for your Probation officer before you ever meet.
      • It includes Your Personal Narrative, Release Plan, and all the records your Officer wants copies of.

240.888.7778
Dr. Blatstein (Marc)
Physician Presentence Report Service (PPRSUS.com)
• Sentence Mitigation
• Humanizing Yourself To The Court
• The Narrative, Release Plan, Allocution
• Expectations of Daily Life in Prison, The Do’s and Don’ts