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.
Introduce yourself and establish credibility: Provide information about who you are, your relationship to the defendant, and any relevant credentials or experiences that may lend credibility to your perspective. Provide reasons for expungement: Detail the reasons why you believe the defendant deserves expungement.
Instructions for writing the letters: Introduction: Write the date. First Paragraph (write 3-5 sentences): Introduce yourself to the judge. Second Paragraph (write 3-5 sentences): What are the positive character traits of the person who is trying to clear their record? ... Third Paragraph (write 3-5 sentences). Closing:
Dear Your Honor, I am writing to formally request the expungement of my criminal conviction from YEAR for OFFENSE. I fully take responsibility for my past mistakes and deeply regret the impact they caused on others and my life.
Character references for an individual that will be before a Judge can take the form of a letter to the Judge (Dear Hon. (Judges Name)). In the first paragraph simply let the Judge know that you are writing in support of your friend. The body of your letter can then detail the good character of your friend.
When writing, avoid simply describing the defendant in terms like “he is loyal.” Instead, tell a story about his loyalty, or how he has been an upstanding member of the community. A story will stand out in the judge's mind more than adjectives will, making your letter more effective.
How to structure a character reference: Introduce yourself, state what your occupation is and any qualifications you hold. In what capacity do you know them the defendant? Tell the court that you're aware of the proceedings. Give some background surrounding your relationship with the defendant.
For individuals writing character letters, the goal should be to first establish your credibility as a reference for the defendant. Next, the letter should describe the defendant, in order to help the judge better understand him or her beyond the offense committed.
The letter should be sincere. The writer should answer who they are, how they know you, what they have seen you accomplish (specific situations), the character traits that they have witnessed, and what they expect you to accomplish in the future.
I am writing to formally request the expungement of my criminal conviction from YEAR for OFFENSE. I fully take responsibility for my past mistakes and deeply regret the impact they caused on others and my life.
Introduce yourself in the opening paragraph. Outline your relationship with the person who is the subject of the legal proceedings. Acknowledge the charges that have been brought against the person. State your opinion of the person's general character.