Court went as well as it could have on Tuesday. The guy pleaded guilty to aggravated involuntary manslaughter. The judge who will sentence him, Judge Alper, is the judge we want -- she reads everything that comes her way regarding the case, rather than having her clerks read some of it. This means that she will personally read each of our victim impact statements!
They set a sentencing date; however our lawyer is unavailable that day, so they must reschedule. It likely will be the first week in April, but of course, I will post the sentencing date as soon as we know it. Please consider coming to the sentencing hearing, and it's very important for you tell me if you plan to do so.
Please have your victim impact statements to me by Friday, February 15. Please note that there is no page limit, so feel free to include anything you'd like to say.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Trial Update #4: Guilty
My parents and I met with our lawyer yesterday, and he informed us that the other lawyer has indicated that the guy will be pleading guilty on the 29th. Our lawyer said he is "95 percent sure" that the guy will not change his mind beforehand, and will indeed plead guilty. This is great news because it means that we don't have to sit through a painful trial!
Our lawyer also explained what to expect on the 29th. On this day, the guy only will plead and the hearing will last about 10 minutes -- a separate sentencing hearing will be scheduled then, which will occur within 60-90 days. This puts the sentencing hearing in the late March/April timeframe.
I understand that it may be difficult for you to get time off of work for both of these hearings. Our lawyer said that if someone were to choose between which of the two hearings to attend, they should choose the sentencing hearing in March/April. This is because people will have the chance to read their victim impact statements then, and that is when the judge announces sentencing.
Of course, my family and I would greatly appreciate as many people coming to either or both of the hearings, as they are important to us, but in light of our lawyer's recommendation, I'd like to request that if you can only make it to one, please try to make it to the sentencing hearing. I will send out a separate email and post on this blog with the date and time.
Our lawyer also explained what to expect on the 29th. On this day, the guy only will plead and the hearing will last about 10 minutes -- a separate sentencing hearing will be scheduled then, which will occur within 60-90 days. This puts the sentencing hearing in the late March/April timeframe.
I understand that it may be difficult for you to get time off of work for both of these hearings. Our lawyer said that if someone were to choose between which of the two hearings to attend, they should choose the sentencing hearing in March/April. This is because people will have the chance to read their victim impact statements then, and that is when the judge announces sentencing.
Of course, my family and I would greatly appreciate as many people coming to either or both of the hearings, as they are important to us, but in light of our lawyer's recommendation, I'd like to request that if you can only make it to one, please try to make it to the sentencing hearing. I will send out a separate email and post on this blog with the date and time.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Victim Impact Statement
Upon sentencing the guy who killed Nathan, after the trial, the judge will review any Victim Impact Statements (VIS) that are submitted by Nathan's friends and family. This is a great opportunity for our voices to be heard and help keep this guy behind bars.
A VIS is a written statement that describes the harm or loss suffered by the victim of an offense. The court considers the statement when the offender is sentenced. The VIS is intended to give victims of crime a voice in the criminal justice system; it allows victims to participate in the sentencing of the offender by explaining to the court and the offender, in their own words, how the crime has affected them.
A VIS can be prepared by the survivors of deceased victims, by the parent or guardian of a child victim, or by a spouse, dependant or close relative of a victim who is incapable of making a statement.
If Nathan has touched your life in some way, please consider writing a VIS and contact me ASAP for further information. I'd like to collect all submissions by Friday, February 8.
A VIS is a written statement that describes the harm or loss suffered by the victim of an offense. The court considers the statement when the offender is sentenced. The VIS is intended to give victims of crime a voice in the criminal justice system; it allows victims to participate in the sentencing of the offender by explaining to the court and the offender, in their own words, how the crime has affected them.
A VIS can be prepared by the survivors of deceased victims, by the parent or guardian of a child victim, or by a spouse, dependant or close relative of a victim who is incapable of making a statement.
If Nathan has touched your life in some way, please consider writing a VIS and contact me ASAP for further information. I'd like to collect all submissions by Friday, February 8.
Friday, January 4, 2008
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