Last weekend, our friend Jacob was arrested following an incident with his family. He is being held in prison on a $100,000 bond and facing some pretty serious charges. I don't know the details of what happened that night, but I do know and love Jacob, and I set up this fund to help him with his legal defense.
Jacob had been doing well lately - he's been working full time building sunrooms for the past 4-5 months and caring for his daughter and her half siblings. But as we know, Jacob is a young man full of potential who comes from a traumatic past. His relationship with his family is extremely complicated and at times a source of great pain. He is dedicated to working on healing from the trauma of his past, but he won't be able to do that sitting in a jail cell for years.
Jacob has been assigned a public defender, but if we know anything about our country's court system, the odds are stacked against young Black men, and public defenders are often overworked and underpaid. Jacob needs someone who can fully invest time and attention in advocating for him. I've been in touch with a lawyer who comes highly recommended by people I trust, and he's willing to offer a discount - but I need some help. I am hoping some of you may be willing/able to pitch in what you can. All money raised will go to Jacob's defense - either to the lawyer (who has agreed to work with Jacob for $3,500) or to commodities Jacob will need as he waits for his trial (in prison, inmates have to purchase basic necessities like soap, deodorant, etc. - and every 15 minute phone call Jacob makes from prison costs him $3).
Please note that I am sharing this with people who know and love Jacob. You can definitely share this with others who may be interested in helping, but in respect for Jacob's privacy, I ask you not to share too broadly/publically.
One bad night shouldn't dictate the rest of Jacob's life. Let's help him get a fair chance at trial.
Amy
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