Sample Letter To Judge For Leniency In Sentencing In Contra Costa
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Crafting an Effective Leniency Letter to a Judge: Five Essential... 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.
State your request: Communicate your desire to have the charges dropped. This should be a simple, straightforward statement. Explain your reasons: If you feel comfortable, briefly explain why you want the charges dropped. Remember that any information in this letter could be used in the case.
No. Don't do it. It is not necessary. It is not OK. It is not going to be read. And it's would be a violation of court proceedings for it to be part of the case. If this is something substantial, contact either the Prosecution or Defense.
Sentences in federal criminal cases – whether they are a result of a plea or a verdict – are set by the judge. Character letters, which are also known as “sentencing letters,” are written by the defendant's friends and family members in an effort to convince the judge to assess a lower sentence.
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.
Pleading for Mercy and Forgiveness of Sin Cleanse my thoughts and desires. Restore to me again the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you. Jesus, have mercy on me. Jesus, have mercy on me. Jesus, have mercy on me. Jesus, I trust in You. Jesus, I trust in You. Jesus, I trust in You. Amen.
You don't know me and you don't owe anything to me or (name of defendant). Yet, I am asking you be as lenient as possible in delivering your sentence. May you find mercy in your heart.
The best way to show forgiveness to a judge is to apologize and demonstrate remorse for the mistake you made. Summarize the situation, take full responsibility, and offer an explanation, if appropriate.
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.
You can go to the court directly and ask the judge to forgive (“vacate” or “dismiss”) or reduce your debts. If you get your conviction dismissed, the court can forgive any remaining fines and fees you owe, including restitution fines (but the court CANNOT forgive your victim restitution).
