This form is a sample letter in Word format covering the subject matter of the title of the form.
This form is a sample letter in Word format covering the subject matter of the title of the form.
Treat the judge's staff with impeccable courtesy. Be prompt. Be prepared and organized. Nothing irritates a judge as much as a lawyer fumbling for papers. Speak loudly and clearly. Respect any time limits set by the judge. Answer a judge's question directly. Don't evade. If you don't know an answer, say so.
Not all courts will accept a letter. Instead, the court might grant a continuance over the phone, or the court could require that you have a representative appear before the judge in your place.
I appreciate your thoughtfulness, respect, and fairness throughout my trial. I was convicted of shoplifting, and I plan to own up to my actions and make amends for my mistakes. While I can't go back in time and reverse what I did, you can rest assured that this will never happen again.
Your letter should contain essential elements such as your contact information, the date, the name of the person or department you're addressing, the case number, a formal request for the dismissal of charges, and your reasons for the request.
Here are five things all defendants will want to avoid saying to a criminal judge: 'I Did It. ' ... 'They Didn't Tell Me...' ... Expletives. Lies, Lies, Lies. 'I Will Represent Myself.
Tip Three: Avoid Undermining the Case It is often tempting for a person writing a character letter to discuss how the defendant isn't really guilty, how this “isn't like him,” how the defendant only pleaded guilty to the crime to get a better sentence, or even how the jury got it wrong.
Contact Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 for support from a criminal defense attorney. Start with a Clear Introduction. Introduce Yourself and Establish Credibility. Provide Reasons for Leniency. Tell a Story or Give Specific Examples. Provide Your Contact Information. Not the Same as a Motion to Modify a Sentence.
Tip Three: Avoid Undermining the Case It is often tempting for a person writing a character letter to discuss how the defendant isn't really guilty, how this “isn't like him,” how the defendant only pleaded guilty to the crime to get a better sentence, or even how the jury got it wrong.
Tips for an Effective Character Letter To a Judge in California Understand the Purpose of a Character Letter. Use Specific Anecdotes Over General Praise. Address the Impact on the Defendant's Support Network. Maintain Respect For the Court. Respect the Judge's Time. Align Your Expectations with Reality.
Letters from non-lawyers to judges are absolutely to be avoided. They are inappropriate and violate many rules regarding proper communication with judges. Some letters may be in violation of criminal law that prohibits improper efforts to influenc...