Sample Character Letter To Judge Asking For Leniency In San Jose
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State that you respect that the defendant has been found guilty or pled guilty to a crime, and that you are writing the letter to offer a fuller picture of him or her as a person. Include specific examples of how the person has helped you or someone else, or how he or she has been a leader or an inspiration.
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. These are a mainstay of federal criminal cases.
Explain why you deserve leniency, such as ignorance or misinformation about your actions, the severity and impact upon your life if the court imposes the maximum outcome, and an absence of a prior history of similar acts. Give the judge a good reason to help you. Don't be too proud to ask for help. Act humbly.
You Honor, I am writing you this letter to ask for leniency in the sentencing of my husband and that your sentence be merciful and not punitive. My husband has always obtained to working hard for our family and giving us the best support possible. My son and I love my husband very much.
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.
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.
Follow the order of this format, leaving a space in between each section: Your Information (first thing that goes on the inside of the letter) Name. The Date. The Judge's Information. Honorable Judge First Name Last Name. What the Letter Is Going to Address. Salutation. Body. Signature.
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.
Here are ways to convince a judge to give you a lesser sentence. Hire a Criminal Lawyer. An experienced criminal defense attorney can identify potential weaknesses in the prosecution's case. Present Some Mitigating Evidence. Cooperate With Law Enforcement. Strictly Follow Court Orders. Hire a Seasoned Attorney.
The 5 most common tips in writing an effective leniency letter to a judge include: write a clear introduction, introduce yourself and establish credibility, provide reasons for leniency, tell a story, and. provide contact information.
