What If the Judge’s Mind Is Made Up?

When I was facing sentencing, I felt the weight of the unknown pressing down on me. Like many of you reading this, I wondered, Does the judge already have their mind made up? Is there anything I can do to influence the outcome?

By then, I'd already made many bad decisions. Despite knowing I was guilty, I went to trial. After the prosecutors rested, my defense attorney called me to testify on my own behalf. I lied on the witness stand, telling the jury that I did not break the law. Prosecutors grilled me on cross examination, and my responses showed a total lack of remorse.

When the judge watched me on the witness stand, I sense that he perceived me as being disrespectful to his courtroom.  And he was right. At that time in my life, I only wanted liberty, and I was going all in.

In my case, that was the wrong decision to make.

When I finished my sentencing hearings, the judge sentenced me to a total of 45 years. The decisions I made during the trial likely put the judge in a predisposed position, and I suspect that when he imposed the term, it was because of what he had seen from me.

I didn't know it would mean to serve a 45-year sentence, as I hadn't been alive that long. The jury convicted me for trafficking in cocaine between the ages of 21 and 23, and at that age, I didn't have a frame of reference for a 45 year sentence.

No one can change the past, but we all have the power to reshape our future.

I learned a great deal from going through that process. Based on that personal experience, I'd encourage people to work toward influencing the best outcome. They should begin working long before the sentencing hearing, and they should continue working long after the sentencing hearing. Pursuing the highest level of liberty at the soonest time requires a person to plan, prioritize, and execute.

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Focus on What You Can Control

The reality is that we can never fully control what someone else decides—especially not a federal judge. Yet, we have the power to control our actions, our mindset, and how we prepare for critical moments like a sentencing hearing.

Yes, it would be fantastic to influence the judge to impose a lighter sentence. And if a person does enough work, I believe that person can do a much better job than I did. I didn't understand the process, and I made many bad decisions.

Yet we don't build a life of meaning and relevance and confidence by obsessing over what decisions others will make. It's not productive. Instead, shift that energy inward. What can you do today to demonstrate your commitment to change and personal accountability?

• Document the positive steps you’ve already taken.
• Show authentic remorse for your actions—not just through words, but through tangible efforts like community service, paying restitution, furthering your education, or volunteering.
• Work intentionally to craft a story that will help your judge, and other stakeholders you'll meet in the future, know more about your life and what you've learned from the experience.

When I faced my sentencing hearing, I couldn’t erase the mistakes of my past. And it wasn't until after my judge sentenced me that I began to think about all the ways that I could have acted more appropriately after my arrest, given that I was guilty. I don't know if my judge had made up his mind before sentencing, but I know that I spent every day after working to prepare for a better outcome.

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Build Your Future with Action Steps

If the judge’s mind is made up, does that mean all hope is lost? Not at all. The sentencing hearing is just one stage of judgment. It’s one moment in a broader path that can include administrative mechanisms, post-conviction remedies, and even legislative changes. What you do today lays the foundation for opportunities that could unfold long after sentencing.

Here’s the mindset I adopted while serving my sentence, and it’s one I encourage you to adopt too:

• Own your pathway to liberty. No one should work harder than you to rebuild your life and seek freedom.
• Focus on personal development. Whether through education, skill-building, or reflective journaling, every effort adds credibility to your transformation.
• Position yourself for change. Initiatives like the First Step Act or other legislative reforms can shorten sentences for those who actively demonstrate rehabilitation.

For example, I spent my years in prison documenting my growth. I earned degrees, wrote books, and meticulously tracked my progress. Those efforts didn’t just make my time productive—they gave me something tangible to show the world, including policymakers, upon my release.

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Shaping Your Sentencing Narrative

Every person coming before a judge has a story. The question is, what story will you tell? A well-crafted sentencing narrative doesn’t ignore the past—it provides context, shows accountability, and lays out a hopeful vision for the future.

• Start with honesty. A judge is more likely to respond positively if you take full responsibility for your actions and acknowledge their impact on others.
• Focus on growth. Share what you’ve done to better yourself since the offense. Did you complete any courses? Volunteer time? Take steps to support your family or community?
• Highlight your potential. Show the judge why you’re capable of contributing to society and how you plan to do so after the sentencing.

Through all the articles I publish on Prison Professors, I emphasize the importance of building a body of work that will show why you're worthy of a higher level of liberty, at the soonest possible time. The job is ongoing, and doesn't end at sentencing.

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Keep Paving the Path After Sentencing

Even if you don’t receive the outcome you hope for in court, that doesn’t mean the fight is over. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that liberty is a state of mind and a result of effort. The real work begins the moment you decide to take control of your future, regardless of external circumstances.

Here are a few key steps you can take even after sentencing:

1. Document everything. Keep a record of every positive step you take—from earning educational certificates to participating in programs.
2. Seek resources for growth. Take advantage of courses, workshops, or skill-building programs available through prison systems or resources like Prison Professors Talent.
3. Engage with advocates. Connect with organizations working toward criminal justice reform or better conditions for incarcerated individuals.
4. Prepare for administrative reviews. Demonstrating consistent good behavior and proactive self-improvement can positively influence reviews like parole or compassionate release.

I’ve seen individuals with lengthy sentences transform their lives and win earlier releases. The common denominator in every success story is this: consistent, disciplined effort.

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Self-Reflection for Resilience

As you face this challenging period, ask yourself:

• How can I demonstrate authentic remorse in ways a judge would find compelling?
• What documented efforts show my commitment to change?
• What specific steps can I take today to influence my future positively?

These aren’t abstract questions. They’re practical prompts to help you stay focused and disciplined through a difficult process.

No one can guarantee what a judge will decide. But I can tell you with certainty: You control your effort, your growth, and your ability to influence your future—even in the most trying circumstances.

I’ve lived it. By taking ownership of my life, I built confidence. Your pathway to liberty starts the same way—with a single decision to act.

If you’re looking for more tools, strategies, and real-life guidance, check out the daily blogs on our website or explore the articles on my founder's page. They’ll remind you that no matter where you are now, you have the power to create a brighter future.

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