The good news is that my Hail Mary play is still in action. That is to say we haven’t caught the ball in the end zone BUT they also have not been able to deflect or intercept the throw as of right now. Your prayers are working! Keep it up!

Those of you who know anything about Jace know he is a character. I am making a request of each and every person out there who has met and interacted in any way with my son Jace to write a character reference.

Please write a one page letter to the judge on his behalf. I will be able to submit all of these referrals to the judge on the day of his sentencing. Showing positive character witness references is definitely one, of many ways, that the judge can lower a sentence.

We will also be presenting a neuropsychologist to address Jace’s ADD, immaturity and lack of frontal lobe development. As well as a psychosexual therapist who will explain that Jace is not a threat to the community.

The more referrals I receive the better our chance at lowering the repercussions Jace will face for this police created ‘criminal charge’. Jace will be at Clark County Court on August 23rd for sentencing on the charge of ‘Attempted Rape of a child in the second degree’ and ‘Communication with a minor for immoral purposes’. The standard sentence for this crime is 6 years to life imprisonment. Please write and send your reference ASAP.

Please read the review below on how to write such a letter, and either email it to me, or better yet mail it with your signature. We are at:

1195 Hood St NE, Salem Oregon, 97301

I thank you with all of my heart for your assistance and support. It has made the world of difference to me through this mess.

Writing a character reference

The judge will read the character reference before deciding what penalty to give.

The reference will be more helpful if you have known the person for a long time or you have had lots of contact with them. You must also be of good character and not have been in serious trouble with the police before.

What to include in the reference

The tone of the reference

Write the character reference so it is formal but speaks honestly about this person.

The contents of the reference

Below are questions that the judge usually wants to know about. You do not have to answer every question in your reference. Only comment on things you actually know about the person.

Who you are

• Introduce yourself, say what your job is and include any qualifications you hold.

Your relationship to the person

• How do you know the person? How long have you known them? How often do/did you see them?

Your knowledge of the person’s charges

• Do you feel this was something Jace would have knowingly done?
• Has the person suffered any hardship or punishment because of these offenses?
  • For example, did they lose their job?
  • Was their reputation damaged?
  • Do they feel disgraced in their community or among family and friends?

Your knowledge of what is going on in the person’s life

• What do you know of the person’s background and any hardship in their life?
• Are there any personal problems that may have played a part in what they did?

Your opinion of the person’s character

• What is their general character and reputation in the community?
• What sort of person are they? Is it out of character that this person is accused of  the offense? Why do you think this?
• Has the person contributed to their community by doing voluntary work, or had special achievements in their job or schooling?

How to set out the reference

Write the reference like a letter. Type it up and put it on a letterhead if you have one.

See the example character reference (below).

Tips

• Put the date at the top of the reference.
• Address it to ‘The Presiding Judge’.
• Start all references with ‘Your Honour’
• Sign the reference at the end.

Example character reference

14 February 2013

The Presiding Judge
Clark County Court

 

Your Honour,

 

[Who you are]

My name is Peter Johnson of 1 Temple Court, Keilor Park, architect.

[Your relationship to the person charged]

I have known Jane Citizen of 123 Alphabet Street, South Melbourne, retail assistant, for five years. We used to work together.

[Your knowledge of the person’s charges]

I understand that Jane Citizen has to attend court about a theft charge. She is very upset about the charge.

[Your knowledge of what is going on in the person’s life]

She has been under stress due to her mother’s difficult battle with cancer. Even though she has been charged with theft I would continue to trust Jane with my money and belongings.

[Your opinion of the person’s character]

I can say that in all the time I have known her, Jane Citizen has been a decent, hardworking and trustworthy person. I believe any behaviour she displayed that caused her to be charged with theft was a one-off event.

 

Yours faithfully,
[Signature]
Peter Johnson