Preparing for Sentencing: A Weekly Record of the Work You're Doing
A simple way to keep records of your own work, for your lawyer to use as they see fit.
Many people preparing for sentencing want to show the work they're doing. This free weekly record sheet, part of The Record Index, helps you keep it organized. You fill it in and keep the backup. Your lawyer decides whether and how to use it.
How it works
This is a weekly tracking sheet. You fill it in and keep the backup, such as attendance slips, timesheets and completion letters. We help you keep it organized and, with your written consent, deliver it to your lawyer. The lawyer decides whether and how to use it.
Every situation is different. We start by asking your lawyer what records would help, then fit the sheet to you. You stay responsible for doing the work.
Your weekly record sheet before sentencing
Print one sheet for each week. Rows are adjusted to each person's plan.
Week of: ____________________
| What to record | What to write down and keep | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning routine | Wake time; reading or planning | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Exercise | Activity and minutes | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Work or school | Shifts or classes attended; timesheets | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Programs and meetings | Attendance at programs the lawyer or a clinician recommends, such as AA/NA; signed attendance slips | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| Lab tests, only if the lawyer asks | Date of any test you choose to get. You keep the results and give them to your lawyer. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
| End-of-day reflection | A few lines on what went well and what was hard. Don't write about the charges. | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ | ☐ |
From weekly sheets to an organized binder
Loose papers are hard for anyone to use. We help you put the records in date order, with an index, as one PDF and a paper copy. The lawyer decides what, if anything, goes to court.
We do not draft or edit any document for a court, tribunal or parole board.
Consent, privacy and limits
- Keep case facts out: Our work isn't covered by solicitor-client privilege, so never share case facts with us. If you do, we refuse the material, don't keep it, and tell you and your lawyer.
- Your consent first: Records go to your lawyer only with your written consent.
- Coaching records: They're coaching records, not risk assessments.
- No promises: Every case is different, and we don't promise outcomes.
Questions families ask
Who decides whether this record goes to court?
Your lawyer. The lawyer decides whether and how to use it, and what, if anything, goes to court.
Will keeping this record change my sentence?
We can't say that. Every case is different, and we don't promise outcomes. This is a clear, dated record of what you actually did. These are coaching records, not risk assessments.
Do I have to get lab tests?
No. The lab test row is only for when the lawyer asks. It records the date of any test you choose to get. You keep the results and give them to your lawyer.
Who sees my records?
Records go to your lawyer only with your written consent.
Can I tell you about my case?
No. Our work isn't covered by solicitor-client privilege. If you share case facts with us, we refuse the material, don't keep it, and tell you and your lawyer.
Need help with this?
This guide is general information, not legal advice. For legal questions, talk to your lawyer.