The Unexpected Defendant - A Cautionary Tale for the Professional: The Justice System from Both Side

February 18, 2011. My life can be separated into two separate and distinct halves as of that specific moment in time. We are asleep. My wife wakes me up and says to me, “Did you hear someone knocking?” I am barely awake, but I listen for a moment and do not hear anything. Then the phone on the nightstand next to me rings. Six Federal Agents (U.S. Postal Inspectors) want access to my house for the purpose of arresting me. The Grand Jury for the United States District Court of the Southern District of Florida had issued an indictment against me, and five others, charging us with Conspiracy to Commit Securities Fraud, and other alleged criminal acts. My worst fear has been brought to life. How did this happen? How did I get here? I am stunned. This is my journey from the right side of the Bar to the wrong side of the Bar. An inside look at both sides of the criminal justice system all the way to prison and back.