Dear friends and supporters,

Time is running short. After spending more than 19 months in jail without having been convicted of any crime, Eric's trial is now less than a month away, and we still have much work to do. Please read on to find out how you can help...

Fundraising
We are still in dire need of funds to pay for Eric's legal defense. As we creep towards our original goal of $15,000, we need everyone's financial support if we're going to make it before trial begins on September 10. We are currently at $12,149, which means we still have to raise $2,851. Thanks to everyone who took advantage of the matching funds - the $500 mark was reached today, which means those funds have been completely matched! But fear not, we just learned that $500 MORE in matching funds will be donated. That means now is the time for everyone to step up and do whatever they can to contribute. IF the most recent matching funds get donated, THEN we could reach our goal if everyone receiving this email donated just $20. Please don't hesitate on this one - it is urgent that Eric get all of his legal fees paid before trial to ensure that he gets the best possible representation. Time is of the essence here! And our hugest, most heartfelt thanks to everyone who has donated matching funds. We couldn't have done this without you!

September in Sacramento
Trial is quickly approaching, and a few people have started asking about housing during Eric's trial. We would love for the courtroom to be full of Eric's supporters during his trial and are committed to doing everything possible to make that happen. To that end, we are asking for folks in the Sacramento area to consider housing out-of-towners during the trial. If you live in the area and think this might be something you could do, please contact us ASAP and we can hammer out the details. While we realize this is a fairly large ask to make of people, it is also THE most important thing we can do for Eric during trial. And if you are out-of-town and are considering coming to trial but need a place to stay, please let us know ASAP so we can start making plans. Please keep in mind when making plans that Eric's trial is slated to last at least 2 1/2 weeks, and could possibly run as long as 3 weeks. While it would be great to have people there throughout trial, obviously the most important time for Eric will be the last few days, as the jury begins deliberations and comes to a verdict. If you have time limitations (we realize most people can't commit to 3 weeks!), please consider trying to be here for the latter part of trial.

Trial Confirmation Hearing, August 23
Eric has a Trial Confirmation Hearing this Thursday, August 23rd at 9 am. As the name implies, the hearing is mostly a check-in to confirm that trial is indeed happening, as scheduled, on September 10, and that everything is on track for the process leading up to trial. The hearing will be very brief, and we don't expect any surprises. If something unexpected happens we'll let you know!

Please stay tuned for updates as trial approaches. And keep those letters coming to Eric! Your continued support is felt and needed now more than ever.

Yours,
SPS

www.supporteric.org