Impact statement for court
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Hi All,
I hope everyone is doing okay. My husband is to attend court next week. I'm beyond anxious and it just brings up all the trauma of this nightmare again. His solicitor has asked for me to write an impact statement of a potential prison sentence. It would be great to hear any experience of this or advice. Also how much weight do these statements have?
Thanks
Hx
I hope everyone is doing okay. My husband is to attend court next week. I'm beyond anxious and it just brings up all the trauma of this nightmare again. His solicitor has asked for me to write an impact statement of a potential prison sentence. It would be great to hear any experience of this or advice. Also how much weight do these statements have?
Thanks
Hx
Hycinth sending you a hug. Is this his sentencing hearing? X
They have very little weight.
Hi
Thanks for responding.
Lisa MM - its for Magistrates court. I know its meant to be administrative and for that they'll refer it to Crown Court. I'm trying not to be paralysed with anxiety about it all. I've got so much work to do with deadlines. (Sigh!) After all the waiting it seems to be going too quickly now especially considering the storm its about to unleash on our lives.
Little Robin - that was my thought too. Writing it has been painful and it's likely to have little impact.
Hx
Thanks for responding.
Lisa MM - its for Magistrates court. I know its meant to be administrative and for that they'll refer it to Crown Court. I'm trying not to be paralysed with anxiety about it all. I've got so much work to do with deadlines. (Sigh!) After all the waiting it seems to be going too quickly now especially considering the storm its about to unleash on our lives.
Little Robin - that was my thought too. Writing it has been painful and it's likely to have little impact.
Hx
Is this the plea hearing? My husband's is next Thursday. I am likewise busy with work and juggling childcare over half term but am not attempting to work on the day of his hearing.
Hycinth
I think what you're referring to is a character reference. A victim impact statement would come from any human children who've been abused/groomed etc but I see what you mean in that anyone sent to prison is likely to be impactful on the family.
I wrote a character reference for my ex of my own accord. On sentencing day, the Judge read it out in court and asked if I was there. I raised my hand. He said how well written it was and that it was incredibly supportive given the circumstances. When he read out the sentence he told my ex what an absolute idiot he'd been and did he realise just how fortunate he was to have a supportive wife. This time round I've not written one. He reoffended so he threw all the support I'd given him in my face. Also, there's no way I'd risk the Police press department or reporters to name me as supporting the offender this time round. And we're divorced.
I really hope that you get the result you want and I'll be thinking of you. X
I think what you're referring to is a character reference. A victim impact statement would come from any human children who've been abused/groomed etc but I see what you mean in that anyone sent to prison is likely to be impactful on the family.
I wrote a character reference for my ex of my own accord. On sentencing day, the Judge read it out in court and asked if I was there. I raised my hand. He said how well written it was and that it was incredibly supportive given the circumstances. When he read out the sentence he told my ex what an absolute idiot he'd been and did he realise just how fortunate he was to have a supportive wife. This time round I've not written one. He reoffended so he threw all the support I'd given him in my face. Also, there's no way I'd risk the Police press department or reporters to name me as supporting the offender this time round. And we're divorced.
I really hope that you get the result you want and I'll be thinking of you. X
Hi Hycinth, victim impact statements and character references are usually submitted for sentencing rather than plea hearing. I did a character reference for my son which was submitted to the judge for sentencing. He didn't read it out but did said he'd read it.
I know how terrifying the lead up to court is so sending you lots of strength and best wishes.
I know how terrifying the lead up to court is so sending you lots of strength and best wishes.
Hi
I think his solicitor thinks a prison sentence may well be on the cards so he's asked me to write about the impact on our family if he goes to prison. His solicitor has my statement and i assume that he'll submit it to court. This week is magistrates court where its expected to go to Crown Court. Even though its meant to be a formality...I feel like my life is going over the precipice and I'm trying to hold onto whatever I can find.
Little Robin thank you for sharing your experience. I had no intention of going to either court hearings. Now I'm wondering if not going would weaken my statement?
I'm trying so hard to keep everything moving but it's really tough.
Thanks all.
Hx
I think his solicitor thinks a prison sentence may well be on the cards so he's asked me to write about the impact on our family if he goes to prison. His solicitor has my statement and i assume that he'll submit it to court. This week is magistrates court where its expected to go to Crown Court. Even though its meant to be a formality...I feel like my life is going over the precipice and I'm trying to hold onto whatever I can find.
Little Robin thank you for sharing your experience. I had no intention of going to either court hearings. Now I'm wondering if not going would weaken my statement?
I'm trying so hard to keep everything moving but it's really tough.
Thanks all.
Hx
Hycinth
No, not being there could be for any number of reasons. It'll make no difference in the end.
No, not being there could be for any number of reasons. It'll make no difference in the end.
I'd prefer not to go. I know it's bad but I really don't know if I can handle the details and the trauma of the whole process. My child is my guiding light. I'll do whatever I can to protect him. I also have to protect my sanity.
Magistrates court is done now. Crown court is so slammed they're just putting names on a list and have said they'll let people know in due course. I wish I knew how far in advance they're booked up. I can handle the waiting if I knew a time frame. The reporting restrictions were reiterated in court. I'm absolutely praying that they hold.
Hope everyone is doubt as okay as one can be on this journey!
Hx
Magistrates court is done now. Crown court is so slammed they're just putting names on a list and have said they'll let people know in due course. I wish I knew how far in advance they're booked up. I can handle the waiting if I knew a time frame. The reporting restrictions were reiterated in court. I'm absolutely praying that they hold.
Hope everyone is doubt as okay as one can be on this journey!
Hx
Hycinth
We've been waiting for sentencing for over 6 months and it's been adjourned the evening before 6 times so far. Its incredibly stressful. X
We've been waiting for sentencing for over 6 months and it's been adjourned the evening before 6 times so far. Its incredibly stressful. X
Little Robin I feel for you
Sigh! This is do exhausting
Sigh! This is do exhausting