The Written Word is Lasting - 8 Reasons Why I Thank You for Writing

The phone rang 3 times today. One from a supporting friend, just to check up on me, one from one of Geraldine Strader's best friends who is struggling with the anger (mostly at the Wyandotte County Assistant District Attorney, Shawn Boyd), and the expected naysayer who wished to explain why Victim Impact Statements were not important and would have no impact.

But there is a reason they are called Victim Impact Statements. There's a reason that thirty or more family friends, community leaders and others allowed the written word to express their thoughts.

Does the Judge have to consider these pleas? Does he even read the impact statements? I neither claim to know, nor am I capable of changing Judge Klapper's practices. But what I do know is that he will come in the courtroom with knowledge of the case, and a handful of caring letters about a women that he didn't even know. He will know there were those who cared enough to write a letter, who has felt the pain that such a tragedy leaves behind. If he takes the time to read the letters he will know the details of that day, the struggles of the weeks gone by, the range of emotion from love to anger. He will know that writing the letter was a showing of passion that will forever live in the files of Joshua Brazeal.  Even if he doesn't read one letter in its entirety, he will know there were friends who cared. He will look out at the courthouse on March 6 and wonder if the authors are present, those who lost a friend. No other hidden agenda, just a friend.

Your Victim Impact Statement may
make an impression on the judge,

So thanks to those that submitted one.

8 Reasons Your Letter Makes A Difference
Even if the Judge decides to ignore the letters, for those who hiss-hiss their impact, here are lasting impression the words on the paper will have:

1. Permanent Court Record. If you submit a letter, this will become part of the court file, the prosecutor’s file and defense file.
2. Offender’s file. Victim Impact Statements can also be included in the offender’s Department of Corrections file. The impact statement becomes part of the offender’s permanent file. 
3. I Told You So. It could be subject to public disclosure. Non-rehabilitated offenders are repeat offenders. Your permanent letters will be a testimony of “I told you so” when a subsequent crime takes place. Perhaps less leniency next time.
4. Express Yourself. The judge gets to hear your side of the story.  This is usually the first time this occurs.  Throughout the criminal justice process, the focus is on the offender. 
5. Who Was the Victims? Hearing from those that are affected by the crime puts a face with an often forgotten victim. Who was Geraldine Strader?
6. Is the Plea Agreement Equitable? You have a chance to tell the judge how you want sentencing to occur.  More often than not, cases conclude by a plea offer.  Many times the prosecutor and defense have agreed to a recommended amount of time.  The judge is not bound by that agreement. 
7. Does the Sentence Reflect the Crime? You can make a difference in the amount of time an offender receives by speaking up. 
8. Beneficial for emotional well-being.  You have the opportunity to address the court, and the offender by way of the court, about how the crime has affected you.  Many find this helpful in the journey of victimization. 

Kathleen Brandt
Justice4Strader@gmail.com

Thanks to Victim Support Services for much of the wording of this blog.