Pleading For Mercy In Chicago
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FAQ
You typically write a leniency letter after the defendant has been convicted of a crime, but before they are sentenced. This allows the judge to consider the letter in their deliberations, potentially leading to a more lenient sentence for the defendant.
When explaining your reasons for leniency, use stories or specific examples to illustrate your points. For instance, if the defendant is dedicated to community service, describe specific instances where they have contributed positively to the community. Mention dates and provide details about their actions.
Present statutory sentencing law—at least outside the death penalty realm—does not explicitly address mercy. This does not mean that mercy is never granted by sentencing courts, but rather that judges are left to determine for themselves its permissibility. Some judges may decide to extend mercy at least on occasion.
At the same time, it is thought proper-indeed, meritorious-for the judge, in an appropriate case, to show mercy, taking account of specialfactors present in the case to conclude that she should impose a sentence more lenient than what "strict justice" would call for.
Mercy means compassionate treatment or behavior towards criminal offenders or those in distress, especially in imprisonment. For example, in criminal cases, a plea of the defendant tacitly admits his guilt by throwing himself at the mercy of the court.
Unlike jurors, judges are expected to put their emotional reactions to litigants aside.
Most judges are likely to show some form of “leniency” when presented with someone with an otherwise clean record who takes responsibility for the choices that they have made and the actions that they have taken, and demonstrates legitimate remorse for any harm that they may have caused.
The Motion and the Notice of Motion need to be e-filed with the Clerk of the Court. The e-Filing system will reject your filing if you do not enter a court date on the form before e-filing it.
The deadline to file a Motion for Reconsideration will be a certain period of time after the judge has issued the order that you would like to have reconsidered or after you are served with the order, often between 14 and 30 days. You may want to speak with a lawyer in your state about the time line to file a motion.
O You must file the Appearance form in the county where the court case is filed. o Make copies of your original Appearance for yourself and each party in the case. o Bring the original Appearance and the copies to the Circuit Clerk at the courthouse. Appearance, and return these copies to you.
