Call Now  (713) 227-4444 Email Us Hablamos
Español

Neal Davis Blog

  • About
    • Neal Davis
    • Tyler Brock
    • Andrew Jordan
    • Hiring An Attorney
  • Expertise
    • Criminal Defense
    • Sex Crime Defense
    • Child Pornography
    • Child Solicitation
    • Drug Possession
    • White Collar Crimes
    • Shoplifing/Theft
    • DWI
    • Murder Defense
    • Assault & Family Violence
    • Title IX Defense
  • Results
  • Reviews
  • Press
  • Resources
    • Blog
    • Criminal Defense Guides
    • Scholarships
Home / White Collar Crime / Months Can Pass Between Sentencing and Prison

Months Can Pass Between Sentencing and Prison

January 9, 2023

white-collar sentences

More than actresses Lori Loughlin and Felicity Huffman will have a prison record for the college admissions cheating scandal in which well-off parents paid money so their kids could get into elite universities.

Now, the so-called ringleader or mastermind in the scandal has been sentenced to 3 and a half years—or 42 months—in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, or probation. (Most white-collar crime investigations are federal in nature, not state or local.)

William “Rick” Singer, 62, also was ordered to pay over $10 million in restitution to the IRS and to forfeit millions more in assets and money to the federal government.

According to a report by ABC News, the former college admissions consultant must turn himself over to authorities to begin his prison sentence on February 27, 2023.

That will be almost 4 years after Singer pleaded guilty in March of 2019 to charges of:

  • Obstruction of justice
  • Money laundering conspiracy
  • Racketeering conspiracy, and
  • Conspiracy to defraud the United States.

However, he was not sentenced around that time because he then assisted prosecutors in convicting his former clients.

That led to the FBI uncovering a cheating ring of about 50 defendants, including parents who collectively paid Singer millions of dollars to find ways to get their children admitted to top universities.

Known as “Operation Varsity Blues,” the FBI investigation also targeted Ivy League coaches who opened sham spots on their rosters for the children of Singer’s clients in exchange for bribes, as well as test administrators who were paid to alter applicants’ scores on entrance exams.

Since it came to light, the scheme—which stretched for decades—has become the subject of a Netflix documentary, a Lifetime movie and at least 4 books.

What are the Types of White-Collar Crimes?

Learn about the different types of white-collar crimes you can be charged with in Texas.

Read more

Singer receives a lenient sentence for his white-collar crimes

When the investigation was done, Singer faced sentencing of his own, but with the assistance he’d given prosecutors in mind.

In prosecutors’ sentencing memorandum, they said Singer had been “exceptionally valuable” by allowing his phone to be tapped in order to help indict his accomplices and his former clients. That enabled federal authorities to gain more convictions in the scandal.

He also expressed much shame and regret for his crimes. Such contrition can help lead to a more lenient sentence than if a person vehemently denies any accountability and seems indifferent to the suffering of the victims.

“I have lost my ethical values and I have so much regret,” Singer said at his sentencing hearing. “To be frank, I am ashamed of myself.”

Still, you may wonder: Why does Singer get to wait almost 2 months more before he must report to prison now that his sentence has been handed down?

The answer lies in part in the nature of his crimes.

White-collar crimes are non-violent crimes

White-collar crimes such as Singer’s offenses are non-violent crimes for which a defendant is not deemed to be a violent menace or threat to society. That makes immediate incarceration less of a concern.

Also, it can take time to determine where to assign a convicted white-collar criminal to prison. Time also may be needed for the person to get their personal affairs in order before reporting for incarceration.

All these factors can lead to what is known as a “voluntary surrender” to prison after a federal white-collar crime conviction, rather than being sent directly to prison. The convicted person is given a date and a location for surrendering himself or herself to prison, and then must do so voluntarily.

Wait before prison can be several months

The span of time between sentencing and incarceration can be even more than the nearly 2 months Singer was allowed. In fact, 2 months is relatively brief.

Elizabeth Holmes, CEO and founder of failed blood-testing firm Theranos, was sentenced on November 18, 2022, to more than 11 years in federal prison for defrauding investors. But did she report straight to prison? No.

In fact, Holmes won’t have to voluntarily surrender to prison custody until April 27, 2023—more than 5 months after she was sentenced.

And that’s not all. Holmes was convicted on January 3, 2022. Thus, the length of time between her conviction, her sentencing and the start of her prison sentence will be almost 16 months.

You may recall white-collar convictions springing from the notorious collapse of Houston-based energy company Enron in 2006. Ken Lay, Enron’s founder, chairman and CEO, was convicted on 19 counts of wire fraud and securities fraud on May 25 of that year, but sentencing was not set until October 23, 2006—nearly 5 months later.

Before then, Lay took a family vacation to Aspen, Colorado, where he reportedly died of a heart attack on July 5, 2006. If he’d been sentenced, he could have faced a total of 45 years in prison.

White-Collar Crime Punishments & Defenses in Texas

Have you been charged with a white-collar crime? Learn about the potential punishments for forgery, bribery, embezzlement, money laundering, fraud and other white-collar offenses in Texas.

Read more

White-collar crimes are serious crimes

All this is not to say that white-collar crimes are not serious crimes with serious consequences.

As noted, Holmes was sentenced to more than 11 years in prison, and Singer was sentenced to 3 and a half years. (By contrast, Loughlin was sentenced to 2 months, and Huffman was sentenced to 14 days.)

Jen Shah of “Real Housewives of Salt Lake City” was just sentenced to 6 and a half years in federal prison for a telemarketing scheme targeting elderly persons.

The average sentence for a white-collar crime is believed to be just under 2 years. But federal authorities have been cracking down on white-collar criminal activity over the past year, and more and more white-collar criminal defendants have faced prison time—sometimes substantial prison time.

Also, such time can be even more than the months or years specified by federal sentencing guidelines since federal judges in these cases have some discretion in sentencing.

Get help from an experienced Houston white-collar crime defense attorney

If you or a member of your family faces an accusation or a charge of a white-collar crime, you must take this seriously. You must reach out to the best white-collar crime defense attorney or lawyer you can find.

The Neal Davis Law Firm has been consistently honored with recognition and awards for its skilled handling of white-collar criminal cases. If you live in the Houston area, contact our law firm today to arrange a private consultation for your case.

Related Resources

  • Can I Get Paid for Years Spent Unjustly in Prison?
    Can I Get Paid for Years Spent Unjustly in Prison?
  • 10 Celebrities Sentenced to Prison for White-Collar Crimes
    10 Celebrities Sentenced to Prison for White-Collar Crimes
  • “Rick and Morty” Case Shows How Long Legal Matters Can Proceed
    “Rick and Morty” Case Shows How Long Legal Matters Can…
5-star review image
They are truly advocates for their clients!
DWI  |  Houston
CLIENT GIVEN DEFERRED ADJUDICATION IN RECKLESS MANSLAUGHTER (WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE) CASE
2015-01-08
"First off let me thank Neal for his courageous and tireless work on my case. It was a ..."
A.G., Verified Customer
5-star review image
He is not one to back down from a fight
Drug Offenses  |  Houston
Client's drug case was dismissed
2016-06-28
"Neal is a great attorney! The man is a class act, a gentleman, and an attorney who truly ..."
T.H., Verified Customer
5-star review image
Neal Quickly Won My Case!!
Assault  |  Houston
Dismissed felony assault
2018-01-05
"Neal left no stone unturned in aquiring the details of my case. I was terrified before meeting Neal ..."
P.E., Verified Customer

Categories

  • Child Pornography & Online Solicitation
  • Community
  • Criminal Defense
  • Drug Crimes
  • Federal Crimes
  • Firm News
  • Intoxication Offenses
  • Sex Crimes
  • Violent Crimes
  • White Collar Crime

Search

Criminal Defense Court Process

FREE E-BOOK

Learn all about the legal process and your legal rights.

Get Your Free Copy Now

Board Certified, Criminal Law – Texas Board of Legal Specialization (2009-2021), AV Rated by Martindale Hubbell (2015), and listed as a Best Lawyer in America (2015-2022)

He doesn't give up, no matter what you're up against
M.F.
5-star review image
Got my life back
K.W.
5-star review image
Muy satisfechos con su trabajo
Tia de J.C.
5-star review image

Read All Reviews

    Contact Our Law Firm




    We respect your privacy. The use of this form does not establish an attorney-client relationship.

    Address
    Neal Davis Law Firm
    The Heights Boulevard Law Building
    1545 Heights Blvd., Suite 700
    Houston, TX 77008

    Map

    Call 24/7
    (713) 227-4444

    Office Hours
    Monday - Saturday
    8:00 AM to 6:00 PM

    Sunday: Closed


    Experienced Criminal Defense Law Firm in Texas

    While based in Houston, our law firm provides knowledgeable representation and comprehensive legal services for individuals throughout Texas, including:


    Location

    Harris County:

    Houston, Pasadena, Baytown

    Montgomery County:

    Conroe, The WoodlandsWillis, Pinehurst

    Fort Bend County:

    Sugar Land, Richmond, Needville, Cinco Ranch


    Your Houston Criminal Defense Lawyer: Neal Davis


    A principle of the American criminal justice system is that all defendants are "innocent until proven guilty." Houston criminal defense attorney Neal Davis and his skilled legal team represent individuals accused of committing crimes. For over 20 years, Neal Davis has successfully defended clients in Texas and federal courts in all types of criminal matters at all phases, from state misdemeanors to complex federal matters. Often, he has favorably resolved criminal cases quickly and quietly, without the need for trial.


    The Neal Davis Law Firm defends the rights of individuals charged with all types of state crimes, including drug offenses , child sex crimes, online solicitation of a minor , child pornography, DWI and intoxication manslaughter, fraud and theft, assault and family violence, and murder and homicide, as well as all types of federal crimes.


    Board Certified, Criminal Law – Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Serving all of counties and federal courts across Texas, including Harris County (Houston), Montgomery County (Conroe), Galveston County and Fort Bend County (Richmond). Enjuris Texas personal injury guide

    © 2023 Neal Davis Law Firm, PLLC. All rights reserved. Law Firm Online Marketing by SEO Advantage, Inc.


    Legal Information

    The information and materials on this website are provided for general informational purposes only, and are not intended to be legal advice. We attempt to provide quality information, but the law changes frequently, and varies from place to place. The information and materials provided are general in nature, and may not apply to a specific factual or legal circumstance. An attorney and client relationship should not be implied. Nothing on this website is intended to substitute for the advice of an attorney; therefore, if you require legal advice, please consult with a competent attorney licensed to practice in your jurisdiction. Every case is different and individual results may vary depending on the facts of a case.