Direct answer: Start with a factual account of your background, decisions, the harm involved and the changes you have actually made. Write in your own voice and review the draft with counsel before submitting it.
Write before you try to impress
A blank page often produces either a résumé or an apology made of phrases that could belong to anyone. Joseph’s ABA and Bloomberg analysis favors a personal account grounded in specific experience. Begin with plain sentences describing what happened and what you understand about your decisions now. The first draft does not need a dramatic opening.
Give each claim something concrete
If you write that your priorities changed, identify a real change in how you spend time, handle decisions or accept oversight. If you describe education or treatment, distinguish completed work from plans. The narrative should remain readable without becoming an exhibit list, but its important factual claims should be supportable.
Review for accuracy before style
Counsel should identify statements that conflict with the record, create legal issues or need clarification. Improving readability is different from replacing your language with a professionally manufactured voice. Keep the account recognizably yours, including honest uncertainty where appropriate.
Preparation checklist
Who I was before the conduct.
What I did and what requires attorney review.
Who was affected and what I now understand.
What I have changed, with dates and records.
What remains unfinished.
Can someone else write my personal narrative for me?
Someone can help organize or edit, but the account should reflect your own truthful understanding. Do not adopt experiences, emotions or promises simply because they sound persuasive.
To connect the narrative with supporting records and documented actions, read How SAG Builds a Documented Mitigation Record, SAG’s original companion to Joseph’s ABA feature.
Published analysis behind this resource
ABA Criminal Justice Magazine: The Mitigation Revolution: A Practical Guide to Engineering Drastic Federal Sentence Reductions (Summer 2026)
Bloomberg Law: How to Get a Judge to Reduce Your Client’s White-Collar Sentence (December 8, 2025)
This resource adapts preparation principles from Joseph’s published analysis. Publication does not imply publisher endorsement of Sentencing Advocacy Group.
Continue with the related SAG guide, explore the published work, or read Client Results & Experiences.
Discuss the next preparation step
Joseph De Gregorio has been retained in more than 500 federal cases. Contact Sentencing Advocacy Group to discuss preparation alongside defense counsel.
joseph@sentencingadvocacygroup.com · 646-588-8182
For individual mitigation preparation alongside defense counsel, explore federal sentencing mitigation services and the engagement deliverables.