[215 supporter]

Here are a few letter tips and other new information, Please Write Reuven Cohen ( Charlies' attorney).

The following info and event was written and organized by a supporter of Friends of CCL:


I want to remind everyone that Patient Advocacy Network is hosting their holiday festivities for change and letter writing party for Charles C. Lynch on Sunday 12/14/08 2-5pm at 816 S. LaBrea Ave. Federal defendant Charles Lynch will be in attendance.



This is also a 'Medical Cannabis Patients for Change' event -

we will be reporting back to President-elect Obama's team. Sign-up at http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http...etail%2Fgptmfc



GET INVOLVED!!



To: Friends, family and concerned citizens for Charles C. Lynch:


Re: Letters to the Judge in connection with Charlie's sentencing


As you know, Charles C. Lynch will be facing sentencing before United Federal District Judge George H. Wu in connection with his guilty verdict of 5 cannabis-only felonies. The sentencing is currently scheduled for January 12, 2009 (could change). Please consider writing a supportive letter about Charlie to the Judge in an effort to help him receive the lightest possible sentence.

The purpose of this memorandum is to advise you of the proper manner of doing this in terms of when and where to send the letters, proper manner of addressing the Judge, and some do's and don't's about content.

Prior to sentencing you, your friends and relatives may write letters of support to the judge which the judge will consider in imposing sentencing. The judge is required to read all letters regarding sentencing.Strong letters of support can influence a judge to sentence a defendant at the low end of the guideline range.

Supporters who wish to write a letter of support regarding sentencing should use the Letter salutation "Dear Judge Wu" and then send the letter to:



Reuven Cohen

Federal Public Defender

321 East 2nd Street

Los Angeles, CA 90012-4702


The proper manner of addressing the Judge is "Your Honor" or "Dear Judge Wu." The letter should refer to Charles C. Lynch by name either between the address and the salutation or in the first sentence. The letter should also contain your return address and the date. Generally, the letter should be between one and three pages long.

As to content of the letter, we want to be able to show the Judge the many positive aspects of Charlie's character and background. Attached to this Memorandum is several sample letters you can use to help you with your letter. Of course, it is important that you write your own letter in your own words. You should identify in the letter how you know Charlie and for how long (if you personally know him). It might be good to include, from personal experience, a specific and heartwarming example of Charlie's generous, kind, and loving character. A more general letter about a lengthy and positive relationship in which Charlie has been a trustworthy and caring friend or family member is also helpful.

In contrast, it would not be useful to express resentment as to his treatment by the government or the Judge; there is always a risk that such sentiments will be attributed to him and be held against him.


Very important: Please make sure that you DO NOT MAIL YOUR LETTER DIRECTLY TO THE JUDGE -- MAIL IT TO THE ABOVE OFFICE (at the address on this letter).

This is critical because, although you of course will include in your letter only what you consider to be information that will be helpful to Charlie at sentencing, there is always a possibility that someone may unintentionally include something that could actually be harmful. Before his Federal Public Defenders send a letter to the Judge, they need to check it in light of their experience so that they are confident that they submit only potentially helpful material. In addition, they will want to submit all the letters to the Judge at one time in an organized way. They cannot do this if the letters don't all go through them.

It is also very important that they receive your letters no later than two weeks
prior to sentencing so that they can review them, suggest changes if necessary, receive any revised letters, and organize them all as part of a cohesive sentencing package for Charlie that they can submit to the Judge in advance of the sentencing date.

Thank you all in advance for your help and support to Charlie in this important time.


Here are some tips:


I. Relationship:


a. In what capacity do you know Charles C. Lynch? (i.e. relative, friend, concerned citizen)


b. How long have you known him?


c. Feelings for Charlie (Important to show love, friendship, respect)



II. General statement of support:


a. Do you understand the trouble Charlie is in?


b. Have you talked with him about his trouble?


c. Are you able to help him in any way? (Place to live, job, other support)


III. Statement on character:


a. What good things can you say about Charlie.


b. Mention character traits (honesty, courage, love, etc. and examples)


c. Offer any personal experiences or insights that may help the Judge understand Charlie's true character.



IV. Statements from people who do not personally know Charlie


a. If you understand that sending a non-violent person to prison for a victimless crime is a waste of tax payer's money and does more harm than the crime he is charged with. Explain, from your heart, this info.


b. If you have any experience with prison and/or can convey to the judge why prison is a bad idea, please do.


c. Speak from your heart about what this prosecution means to you. How do you feel about putting a man like Charles C. Lynch in jail.


V. Conclusion:


a. Express to Judge in your own words how Charlie regrets what has happened and wants to go forward with his life.


b. Because probation is a possibility in this case, it is important to tell the Judge that you do not think society would benefit from sending Charlie to prison and that a prison sentence would be detrimental to all concerned. It is important to explain why you think this. Urge him to consider alternative sentencing options. Challenge him to serve justice at large and not the narrow scope of justice with the unjust federal drug laws mandate.

c. Avoid aggressive, negative, rude tones and remember, it's not always what you say but how you say it.

DO NOT copy word-for-word another letter. That does not help. Personalized letters carry more weight with the judge regarding sentencing.

Thank you all for the love and support shown to Charles Lynch

[BabyBoomer]

Are they still accepting letters of support?

And can you please post when his sentencing is going to be? What the details are.

It seems to change often.

Thanks.

Cyber Hugs,

Boomer






.

[215 supporter]

Boomer here are the court dates for Charlie as of now. Yes please send letters of support to Charles' Atty Reuven Cohen, ASAP, His address is below

Here is a link for sample template's

http://www.friendsofccl.com/letterofsupport.htm



Monday, January 5, 2008
Request for new Trial
U.S. District Courthouse
312 NORTH Spring street (at Temple St)
In downtown LA
8:30 am new trial hearing



Monday, January 12, 2009
Sentencing of Charles C. Lynch
U.S. District Courthouse
312 NORTH Spring street (at Temple St)
In downtown LA
8 am - Court room 10


Supporters who wish to write a letter of support regarding sentencing should use the Letter salutation "Dear Judge Wu" and then send the letter to:

Reuven Cohen
Federal Public Defender
321 East 2nd Street
Los Angeles, CA 90012-4702

[roguepoet]

I'm just curious....about how many letters have been sent to Charles' lawyer? I mailed mine in months ago, but I was just wondering how things were going?