Support Erik!

Erik Oseland is going to jail for 90+ days on Wednesday, Oct. 20th. Please support him. His address is his name at the Workhouse, same as Jesse’s was:

Erik Oseland

RCCF
297 Century Ave S.
Maplewood, MN 55119

Here is his support site.
End the Workhouse!

Fall 2010 – two years and counting

Jesse and Rose during a brief Reunion

Hello friends!

I realized it has been a long time since I posted any updates, so here it is. I am still in Minnesota. I have applied to transfer my probation from MN to California, was denied the first time and am waiting for the outcome of the second. We expect to hear by the first week of November, and are hopeful this application goes through. An essential element to a successful transfer is our contacts in California responding actively and determinedly to the CA probation office. I have asked anyone contacted by probation to let me know so we can spread the word. Transferring probation is a tricky matter and it has become apparent they will deny someone for the simplest snag.

I have submitted an appeal of my conviction and it is currently under review in the appellate courts. Three judges have convened to read and discuss the briefs and now have two to three months to submit their decision. There are three possible outcomes (as far as I understand): One – the conviction and case are thrown out completely and I am a free person! Two - the conviction is thrown out and my case is sent back to trial. In re-trial I could not receive new jail time or a harsher sentence, and would have the opportunity to beat the prosecution with all we learned from the first trial. Three – the judges affirm the conviction and nothing changes. I will post their decision when it arrives. Cross your fingers!

So there are the details as I recall them right now. It has been over two years since I was first arrested, over two years since I lived where I want with my family and friends. It has been a year since my sentencing here, last year this time I was in solitary confinement awaiting classification at the Workhouse. There are experiences that linger with me, things I am dealing with stemming from all that has happened in these last two years. I continue to feel that a part of me waits to be back in CA for good before really settling, relaxing, recovering.

I have been struggling with staying in good contact with those I love and apologize to anyone who has felt out of the loop, or overlooked. As I look back I continually feel such immense gratitude for all the support I received. It will always be a source of strength for me, and I hope that all of you feel the same way. If there are any thoughts of stories that come to you as you reflect on the past two years please do not hesitate to get in share them with me.

This has been one hard journey, and though it isn’t over I can’t help but feel victorious. Despite incredible stress and pressure we found compassion, clarity and each other.  Thank you.

I would also like to take this opportunity to remind folks of other people currently facing charges and upcoming trials. The RNC 8 are now only 4 but are quickly approaching trial and deserve your support. And some folks in Asheville are facing 10 misdemeanors and three felonies after being arrested on May Day this year. Unfortunately there are many more behind bars or facing them but we are more than capable of taking care of each other. This I know.

Yours as always,

Jesse

From Jesse

Hello friends!

It is true I have been released . It feels really good to be out of jail and able to take care of my own affairs again, not to mention eating good food, seeing friends, sleeping in a real bed, wearing my own clothes, listening to music….. When I turned myself in on February 15th I was totally not prepared for fighting a 16 month prison recommendation, I was under the impression that I would be in jail for about a week. I now feel foolish for underestimating the Criminal Justice System, we should have counted on absurdity. I have been given a 6 month sentence for my first probation violation. To me that is still crazy, but I am very eager to serve it and move on. I have around 25 more days to go and am now serving my time on the Public Service Program (PSP), which is an early release program through the Santa Clara County Department Of Corrections.

I work 7am to 3pm in the Santa Clara County Main Jail Wednesday through Sunday. On this program I get only credit for days I work, and as I have Monday and Tuesdays off I only get 5 days credit every week. If I stay out of custody and finish PSP I will complete my sentence sometime in the second week of May. I may however turn myself back in and finish my time in jail at any time. This is also the repercussion of breaking any of the numerous rules of the program. I work in the jail during the day so I can go home at night – works for me. I was working in the kitchen while in custody before I got out, except the only benefit was an extra lunch and not losing my ‘good time’.

Though I am out of jail I am still very much under the influence of the State. Serving my sentence continues to be my goal, just as it was while in Elmwood. I must finish this task before I can fully return to the rest of my life, and I feel confident in my ability to do it. My California case will be closed, probation terminated upon successful completion of my sentence which is something I look forward to.

I wake up before the sun and commute to the jail most days. I work with other people serving non-jail sentences mostly folding laundry and taking out trash. The majority of the time we are in the basement with no natural light, and we are forced to eat their jail food for lunch (I thought I had gotten away from it for good). But we get to listen to the radio and I have met some nice folks, and I carry my release like an umbrella, nothing quite gets to me.

I am so very very thankful to all who have written me, and donated to my legal fund. I am paying $9 a day to be out of jail (for PSP) as well as about $8 a day on my commute, so your financial support still makes a difference. I hope to write, email and call many familiar faces in the coming month, but for now have been focused on eating well, sleeping enough and making it to work on time. If you wish to write me you can find me at:

P.O. Box 8009 Santa Cruz, CA 95061.

I will be posting again soon, there are a couple friends still in Elmwood who could use some kind words.

With my love,

Jesse

Out of jail!

Hey folks,

Jesse was given the option of serving the rest of his sentence by doing a work program, so he’s currently OUT OF JAIL! This means working full days, 5 days a week, for the sherrif, but he’s not in jail. So, don’t send any letters for Jesse to Elmwood. Thanks for all your support. If you’re itching to write to a prisoner, stop by the Denver Anarchist Black Cross for some ideas and addresses. And, most importantly, keep your eye out for the tensions where you live, search for ways to breathe together, don’t let the sparks of revolt flicker out even if the wind is strong…

31 days and counting

Hello friends,

A bunch of us went to Jesse’s court date today. Though we were hoping that Jesse would come home with us today, that did not happen. For violating his probation in Santa Clara County, Jesse has to stay in jail for 31 more days. (That is not literally what he was sentenced to, but that is how much he will have to serve. The legal math is really confusing and a bit absurd, and if you want to talk about it more, send me a message and I’ll try to explain it to you.)

Though we were all disappointed about not getting to be with Jesse, 31 days isn’t so bad, particularly since the probation department seemed determined to give him a year in prison. Jesse’s lawyer thought that was ridiculous and the judge didn’t really think it was fair either, so this is what we’ve got. Jesse will be transferred to the minimum security part of the jail, where he will have to do work and have a lot of crappy interactions with people that he hasn’t met yet, but he will get to spend more time outside and have contact visits instead of through plexiglass.

Jesse’s lawyer, Dan Mayfield, has been really awesome. He thought this was going to be a much simpler case and was a little surprised that the probation department would try so hard to send our friend to prison. Dan fought really hard for Jesse and worked on his case for free. The only compensation he’s had is the two lattes we bought him. I am going to send Dan a Thank You card, and I hope other people will do the same.
Thanks to everyone who has been supporting Jesse through all of this.
Stay strong and keep fighting!

Court on Wednesday, and Letters!

Dear Friends,

Open court begins at 10:30am on Wednesday, March 24th. This is where we will find out whether Jesse will be released or the amount of time they will have to serve. Court is in the basement, department 24 in the hall of justice located at: 200 w. Hedding in San Jose.

If you have not done so yet, here is another reminder to write a letter for Jesse…info below and again, please get a letter in by tues. march 23rd (to who including lawyer info also below).

there is a closed door meeting on wednesday march 24th morning and then open court after.  it is very important to come to court to support jesse if you can…jesse is in an adversarial and hostile environment and it will be uplifting for him to look see the faces of friends, and hopefully we all can be reunited by the end of the day.

Street Address:
200 West Hedding Street
San Jose, CA 95110

From Hwy 880 – Traveling north towards downtown San Jose
From 880, take Highway 280 South to Highway 87/Guadalupe Parkway North, towards the San Jose Airport.
Take the Taylor Street exit, turn right onto Taylor Street. Stay in the far left lane and make a left onto San Pedro Street.
Continue for two blocks on San Pedro Street.
Turn left onto Hedding Street, stay in the far right lane, go half a block and turn right into the Civic Center Parking Garage. Fee required.
The Courthouse is across the street from the garage.
Metered parking is also available on West Hedding Street.

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jesse’s lawyer reported that character letters for jesse are very worthwhile.  here are some general guidelines (please pass on this info to any friends). you can email us letters at supportjesse (at) riseup.net or you can fax letters to jesse’s lawyer (be sure to indicate that the letters are character ref for jesse) fax number:  dan mayfield (408) 287-9857.

suggestions for character letters:

-be positive about jesse, that he has made mistakes in the past but that he wants to move forward, be responsible and be a productive part of his community.
-write about your experiences with jesse as a caring, giving and important part of our community.
-include how he has support in order to move on and better his life.
-regarding jesse’s future plans, please only speak about his goal to get out and able to go back to minneapolis and deal with his probation there.
-do not use this as an opportunity to critique the justice system and justify jesse’s actions (no matter how we really feel about these matters, strategically this would not be beneficial to jesse and may piss off the judge, which could have negative consequences for jesse).
-the judge’s name and title is:  Honorable Socrates Manoukian (you can skip the honorable part if you wish), put this at the beginning of the letter.

Here is a rudimentary guide to writing character letters to judges: http://www.ehow.com/how_4683439_write-letter-judge-before-sentencing.html

thanks!

from the inside out

To Friends. (March 11th)

tonight we’ve been put on lockdown becaquse the guards are short staffed. fuckers. no phone calls from 6 pm on, no showers, no dayroom, no working out, this sucks. i had two phone dates tonight and a plan to workout with my friend J. thursdays here are proving to be the odd days.hey already have canteen coming in, raqzor and clothing exchange but the last two weeks we’ve been put on lockdown. last week a neighboring pod had a mini-riot and fully clad iot-squad troops tromped in, and now this shit. oh well, it’s jail after all. i’m sure i’ll be able to call muy friends tomorrow.

canteen is always a little frenzied, people so eager and excited for sugar, coffee and underneath that just to have things. i order oatmeal, peanut butter, paper and stamps, as well as some soups to trade, cookies to give away, and some dehydrated spicy-refried beans for spreads. my funds are low but I think I may not order anything next week; i don’t really need anything really and I don’t like spending money in this jail economy. (ramen soups are marked up 200%). today my new probation officer came to interview me. he actually was a pretty alright guy and even called my lawyer and invited him to join us. luckily Dan wasn’t very busy and was here within 10 minutes. it was good to talk with both of them, Dan said I did well. The probation officer was writing his report which would recommend a sentence to the prosecution and judge, making the interview impactful. He said multiple times that I had a lot of things going for me, a lot of positive things, but he refrained from making any specific references to a sentence. I left feeling hopeful but still determined to not be too hurt if I have to do more time. I feel good about Dan’s efforts and am glad he is my lawyer. It feels good knowing the new report & recommendation will include my story and the letter you all have written (the probation officer thought highly of them even before reading them). So here i am on bunk 2B, where I’ll be for another couple weeks. I hope I get out soon. <3 JJ. buenos noches.

Thoughts from Elmwood

March 2nd.

Dear friends, i love you. i am sorry that i am again forced away from you. one consolation is this is at least one (more) concrete step toward resolution, release, toward my life being my own again. after this spell of incarceratio0n i hope and somewhat expect to have my santa clara probation terminated, leaving me with only one case still active (my minnesota conviction which is in the beginning of the appeals process). there is an outside chance that i could be off all probation in the relative future.

for those wondering, i did not expect to be here in santa clara county jail this long. i have been led (and wanted) to believe that this would be a fairly simple and straightforward thing. come turn myself in, do a bit of time, go to court and get out. i should’ve known better. i’m waiting for my next court date which is March 26th (?) at which point i expect to find out if i’ll get out with time served or exactly how much time i have to do. i really hope to be released but i am not building any towers to fall from. my stress level is considerably lower due to the support of….so many friends, as well as the efforts of dan mayfield, my attorney. i am very thankful to have him in my corner. santa clara, i am finding out, is a county with overloaded public defenders (people facing misdemeanors aren’t even provided one at their arraignments), an overworked and harsh probation office, and a particularly nasty prosecutor. every  story i have heard here is bad, people getting screwed, more jail time and prison sentences than other places. my time in the ramsey county workhouse makes being here both easier and more difficult. easier in that i have experience being in jail, a part of me being used to it in this way that also includes the shuttering of windows of self. to be okay in here aspects of me are shut down, buried, and this is why the proximity to my last incarceration is uniquely difficult: i was only just beginning to unravel again. i carry a lot of pain from the last year/year and a half, you could call it trauma, and it affects me in ways i both understand and don’t. it hurts to be here now, to be in california for the longest period of time since i left in 2008 and be forced here still isolated, still distant in ways. i look forward to getting to the pain and letting it out after my release. while i am hurt i do not accept the role of victim. instead i choose survivor, to hold the strength it takes to deal with these situations. i ask for your help in keeping this perspective. please allow me my pain and uncertainty in time to come, but also challenge me to use my experiences as inspiration, for growth. i hate this, but there is more to life than hate.

in regards to my current situation, i am in the same general facility i was in back in 2006 (Elmwood) but one security level higher. i am in M2-C, which is one large room with 36 double bunks paralleling each other: two rows of eight along the “east” wall and two along the “west” wall. people come and go regularly though many folks seem to be here for a while. the bunks are probably how you imagine them, hard metal, and our bed pads are thin and often ripped or misshapen. each inmate is given one towel, one blanket, two sheets, socks, underwear, an undershirt, and pants and an overshirt. all are varying shades of green. we’re given a pair of orange sandals that are often broken and you can order white slip-on shoes for $10 on canteen.

there are phones lining the “east” wall that can be used from 7 am to 11 pm (give or take). on the west wall is the english t.v., clock, bulletin board and hot water pot (a multiple gallon plug-in water heater with a top that is turned upside down and used to heat food). between the walls are eight tables with eight metal stool seats each. there are sinks on the “north” wall beyond the tables, and toilets and the shower. between the rows of bunks, past the tables on the other side, in the middle is the workout area. it is just a short walled in open area with a pullup-dip-legraise-whatever-you-can-do-on-it metal workout thing, four moveable card tables and in the middle of the “south” wall the spanish t.v. plastic chairs are here and there for use, and clouded skylights with bars before them line the ceiling giving filtered natural light. guards sit behind glass near the locked double doored entryway. they mostly leave us be — a relationship similar to that which existed in ramsey county.

the inmates are self organized into racial “cars” that carry certain rules but are overall not terribly inhibiting (as far as i can tell). no one group dominates space or is treated overly preferentially by the COs [correctional officers], nor is any group subjugated to a severe degree. i do not claim to have a very firm grasp on it all. respect seems present if not pervasive, but who knows what lies under socially enforced tolerance.

there are many spanish speakers, a good number of people waiting to be deported. i have been learning bits of spanish primarily from my friend G. it is slow, but at least i’m starting (learning spanish has been on my to do list for nearly a decade). i enjoy listening to the language roll around, especially when it comes in bouncing melodies or sweet serenades (i have never been so fond of the spanish pop song). hopefully a spanish language workbook will make it here soon so i can get even more out of being surrounded by spanish [one did arrive, in fact]. i’ve received three letters so far, which has been really nice. mail call here is at night an hour or two before we have to clear the day room (~10:30-11:00 pm). i know the lack of expectation of me being here this long has probably created a lag in correspondence, and hopefully i only have the three weeks left. thank you to all who have and are writing.

i have had three visits so far, and as you probably already know am allowed one per week and one per weekend. they are through a phone and a glass window, which is way better than the video visits in ramsey co. today  friend and i could feel the warmth of each other’s hand through the glass.

overall i am doing well, all things considered. it is really hard but i am trying to remain healthy physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. i miss minnesota. i really hope i get back before winter is over. missing the season changes doesn’t feel good (it is my last chance to play in the snow too!) i miss jasper. i feel lucky and so grateful for those who are helping take care of him. i am lucky to have so many amazing people in my life. a lot of people in here do not have friends like i do. i want everyone to know i take that seriously, and not for granted. it is strange being so close to santa cruz yet to still be “living”, to have my room and all, in the midwest.

there is always more to say, more to learn, more to do, such is life. i look forward to it. i am no stronger than any of you, and i know i’ll come through this stronger. this is not the beginning or the end, but another story of life. i am glad to share it with you. to be continued…

<3 jesse james

some thoughts for friends. feb. 28th sun.

at different times i feel the weight of each day. in repetition. for example, tomorrow is the first day of march, and i will be in here for the majority of it, and when that is compounded with the slow drawl of each day i feel crazy. this box is crazy.

i sleep later than i want and don’t get up to work out when i want to and either way my body just doesn’t do well with  these stiff uneven beds, metal stool-seats and concrete floor. i ache in complex ways.

today i played handball for the first time and had a lot of fun. people gave me some credit for being a beginner (i wasn’t very good) and we all laughed at times. my hand is now swollen though, something i wasn’t expecting, and i have to balance pushing my body and allowing it room to recover from pain.

i’m tired most of the time but don’t want to sleep too much. i’ve been talking, playing dominos and learning spanish from my friend G. he’s in for stealing an ipod from frys. he’s mexican but has lived here for 20 years, and now faces deportation. we talk about race and theft, love and our general personal/social beliefs. he has a good heart and is respectful. he gets some shit from the paisans — the spanish speaking mexicans & mexican-americans — because he speaks mostly english and doesn’t sit at the paisan table.

today i read an article in the san jose mercury news about the “take back santa cruz” (or whatever) event, they called it “passive loitering” or something [positive loitering], and there was a picture with friends in it. i felt a happiness spread through me as i identified maybe six familiar faces in this random newspaper article. i know y’all probably didn’t/don’t want to be in the paper but at least it reached me! it was funny to read about something J had already told me about. the article wasn’t terrible and quoted something off indybay but also printed a quote from TBSC calling the anti-police sentiment “hate” talk. err…

i miss you all.

Visiting Information

Sorry if this is cluttered or too much information (logorrhea!), but with limited computer time this is what I’ve got to offer. This is visiting information for Jesse. Please contact us before you schedule a visit, to make sure we can fit everyone in. You can email us at supportjesse (at) riseup.net or call or talk to one of us. Stay well and stay strong. P.S. We are still raising money for Jesse’s current legal fees. We need $500 very soon. You can donate via paypal (the link on the righthand side of this site), in person, or email us for an address to send mail to. Many thanks to those of you who have already donated. Everything helps, eh! From the jail’s website: MEN’S FACILITY Visiting Registration/Scheduling Visiting will be closed on Wednesday, for Men’s facility only. Only registered visitors may schedule a visit. Visitors can register online at www.sccgov.org/ovr Visitor registration applications will take 3 – 4 business days for processing. Visitors must have valid Government Issued Identification to visit. Visits can be scheduled by telephone or at the visiting office. Visits can also be scheduled online or by using the visiting kiosk in the Elmwood Complex Lobby. (Men’s Facility) Visitors may schedule visits up to 21 days from the date of request. Visits must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance. Scheduled visits cannot be changed on the same day. call to make schedule a visit to: Visiting Office: (408) 957-5900 Directions The facility is located off Great Mall Parkway between Abel Street and Interstate 880 in Milpitas. The West Gate Elmwood Men’s visiting lobby faces the northbound lanes of Interstate 880 and is accessible via the Great Mall Parkway exit. From Interstate 680 Take the North Capitol Avenue exit in San Jose. Proceed north about 3.6 miles. Turn right on frontage road along northbound I-880 lanes to West Gate parking lot entrance. From Interstate 880 Take the Great Mall Parkway exit. From southbound I-880, turn left from the exit, over the freeway overpass, then left again to the frontage road along I-880 to the West Gate parking lot. From northbound I-880, continue north through the off-ramp intersection with Great Mall Parkway to the frontage road along I-880 to the West Gate parking lot. Remember…Always put the inmate’s name, booking number and PFN number on the envelope and money order!!!

Note! Effective Friday, February 3, 2006, you will now be able to schedule appointments for Friday morning at the Men’s Facility. There will be three sessions available to schedule: 0800, 0900 and 1000 hours.

Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday:

MORNING	AFTERNOON	EVENING
	1:00 – 1:30 p.m.	7:00 – 7:30 p.m.
NO Morning Visits	2:00 – 2:30 p.m.	8:00 – 8:30 p.m.
	3:00 – 3:30 p.m.	9:00 – 9:30 p.m.
	4:00 – 4:30 p.m.	10:00 – 10:30 p.m.

Friday:

MORNING	AFTERNOON	EVENING
8:00 – 8:30 a.m.	1:00 – 1:30 p.m.
9:00 – 9:30 a.m.	2:00 – 2:30 p.m.	NO Evening Visits
10:00 – 10:30 a.m.	3:00 – 3:30 p.m.
	4:00 – 4:30 p.m.

Saturday, Sunday and County Observed Holidays:

MORNING	AFTERNOON	EVENING
7:00 – 7:30 a.m.	1:00 – 1:30 p.m.
8:00 – 8:30 a.m.	2:00 – 2:30 p.m.	NO Evening Visits
9:00 – 9:30 a.m.	3:00 – 3:30 p.m.
10:00 – 10:30 a.m.	4:00 – 4:30 p.m.

*** Note: If the person you are scheduled to visit has been moved to a new location, you will have to reschedule your visit.

Visiting Rules

• All inmates will be allowed (2) thirty minute visits a week (Sunday being the first day of the week, Saturday the last). Only (1) visit per day.
  • Only Minimum Inmate Workers may be allowed (1) extra visit per week.
  • Visits for Minimum Camp Inmate Workers should be scheduled around the inmates work hours.
• Visitors must arrive for processing 30 minutes prior to the visit.
• Visitors may ONLY bring identification and (1) key (NOTHING ELSE) into the facility. Those with infant(s) may bring in (1) baby bottle.
• Visitors will be allowed entry once they have cleared the metal detector.
  • Each visitor will have 3 opportunities to clear the metal detector.
• Visitors displaying tattoos of an offensive nature or gang-associated tattoos will not be allowed to visit.
• (2) Adult visitors and the inmates’ or the visitors’ children may visit. An original and/or notarized Birth Certificate is required for each child at the time of visit. Children who are 18 years or older will be counted as adults.
  • Minors will not be left unattended at any time. Unattended minors will be cause for termination of visits.

  
  

*** All visitors must wear shoes and clothing that is appropriate for visiting the Elmwood Complex or you will not be allowed entry into the facility.

• Length of dresses, skirts (including slit skirts) and shorts lengths not to exceed 2 inches above the knee.
• Clothing shall not expose any part of the torso, back, shoulders, chest or midsection.
• Undergarments must not be visible.
• Transparent clothing, strapless, halter, spaghetti straps, bare midriff clothing, tank tops, and attire displaying obscene/offensive language or drawings is prohibited.
• Visitors must empty the contents of their pockets and remove jackets, coats or sweaters for search.
• Buttons and zippers will remain fastened.
• Clothing that resembles custody issued inmate clothing will not be allowed.
• Law enforcement or military patterned clothing will not be allowed.
• Visitor must wear shoes.
• Clothing or footwear containing metal should not be worn.
• No hats allowed.
• No money allowed.
• Visitors must present medical verification for any internal metal hardware.
• No scrubs.
• No black and white striped clothing.
• No cell phones.

Visitors Advisory

• All visitors are subject to search while on the Elmwood Complex.
• The Elmwood Complex is a “NO HOSTAGE” facility.
• Visiting may be cancelled without notification.

Visiting Office:	(408) 957-5900
Fax:	(408) 957-5921
Web Site:	www.sccgov.org/ovr
Business Hours:	Monday – Friday 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

*** Money Orders – Cashier’s Checks ***

All money for an inmate must be sent through U.S. Postal Services. The Visiting Officers will accept NO cash or checks. Money sent to an inmate must be in the form of a Money order or Cashier’s check made payable to the “Santa Clara County Department of Correction”. The maximum amount is $300.00 dollars. Always include the inmate’s name, booking number and PFN number on each check or money order.

MAILING ADDRESS FOR ALL INMATES AT ELMWOOD:

Elmwood Complex
Inmate Name/Booking Number/PFN
701 South Abel Street
Milpitas, CA 95035

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hey friends! please pass on this info to friends. visits are very important!

there is a link below to register in order to be able to visit. after registration is approved (2-4 business days) call the visiting office # (408) 957-5900 to schedule a visit.

you will need jesse’s PFN: DWH239 and your id # (drivers license or whatever you have). CEN (booking #): 10008725.

Contact us before you schedule a visit to check when folks are visiting and after you schedule a visit so she can keep track. Jesse is allowed two visits a week and two people are okay to go for each visit.

more information

2/25/10

Hey everyone,

A bunch of us went to Jesse’s court appearance this morning on the charge of violating probation in California. We got to see Jesse and he looked to be in good spirits, though was not allowed to communicate to us. Very little happened during his court appearance, his lawyer asked for a continuance and it was granted. So what will happen next is that on March 24 the lawyers and judge will meet in a closed courtroom to discuss the case and decide on a deal, and then he will appear in court the next day. Right at the end, the judge requested that the lawyers approach the bench and most of the talking happened then. Here is what we found out from his lawyer:

• The Santa Clara Country probation department is taking this situation really seriously, more seriously than Jesse’s lawyer had anticipated. To them, it is simple: you are on probation for a felony, you commit another felony, you should go to prison (they recommended for 15 months).
  
• The judge doesn’t necessarily agree. He is willing to give Jesse good points for having paid all of his restitution in both cases, returning to California to turn himself in, and will probably greatly appreciate a well-laid out legal argument, which is what Jesse’s lawyer intends to provide.
• At the closed discussion, the judge will want a full report: documentation of everything Jesse has done to make amends, fines paid, any evidence of contact with probation and character references.
  
• THIS IS THE IMPORTANT PART: Though Jesse’s lawyer is working for free, he wants to hire an expert to help. He is probably going to cost $500. We need to get the money to his lawyer ASAP so that they have enough time to put together the report. I am pretty sure we can do this in no time. If we all pitch in $10 each, we probably can make it happen.
• SEND MONEY VIA PAYPAL TO supportjesse (at) riseup (dot) net or bring it in to SubRosa in Santa Cruz.
• Now is a good time to write character reference letters if you haven’t already. We are going to get a bunch all together and fax them to his lawyer. You can email them to us.
• If you have any questions, email us at supportjesse (at) riseup (dot) net or redhill (at) riseup (dot) net.