Wire and mail fraud matters · National preparation support
Building an Individual Chronology in Fraud Matters: Facts, Sources and Gaps
Create a reviewable timeline that distinguishes original records, firsthand recollection and unresolved questions for counsel.
By Joseph De Gregorio · Federal Sentencing Strategist
Founder and President, Sentencing Advocacy Group · November 6, 2026
Request a Private Case Review · (646) 588-8182
Use a source hierarchy without hiding uncertainty
Identify whether an entry comes from an original document, a later summary, your recollection or another person’s account. Keep the original source reference. A polished narrative should not erase uncertainty or imply that every detail has been independently verified. Counsel can evaluate the strength and relevance of each source.
Separate event dates from discovery dates
The date something happened may differ from when you learned about it or found the supporting record. Preserve all relevant dates and label them. This distinction can be especially important in a long business chronology with later investigations, audits or corrections. Do not move an event to make the sequence appear simpler.
Keep conflicts visible
When records disagree, preserve both versions and describe the conflict neutrally. Identify the additional source or person who may clarify it. Do not silently choose the version most favorable to you. The purpose of the working chronology is to help counsel assess the actual evidence, including limitations.
Turn the timeline into useful deliverables
A defined assignment can produce a concise chronology, an indexed source file, a factual-question list and a preparation schedule. These are separate outputs with different uses. SAG helps organize them within the agreed scope; counsel determines legal positions, disclosure and how any material should be used.
Continue your preparation
Should uncertain dates be made exact for readability?
No. State the uncertainty and identify what could verify the date. Clarity should not come at the expense of accuracy.
Sources and a defined preparation assignment
Official context: Department of Justice: Justice 101. Sources checked November 6, 2026. Counsel evaluates the applicable law, dates and individual facts.
Work directly with Joseph to define the scope, authorized recipients and review dates. Agreed deliverables can include a personal and professional chronology, indexed supporting records, factual questions for counsel and a practical preparation schedule. SAG does not manage legal responses or provide forensic accounting. An engagement does not automatically establish privilege.
SAG serves clients nationwide from New Jersey, with travel arranged for cases. SAG is not a law firm. No charging decision, sentence, placement or release date is guaranteed.
For defense counsel: Discuss Support for Your Client. Share your role, stage and next deadline, not sensitive financial records or privileged advice, in the initial inquiry.