Sample Letter To Judge For Leniency In Sentencing In Santa Clara
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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.
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.
Make it personal when describing the defendant's characteristics. Can you think of examples of good deeds done by the defendant (hard work, dedication to family/church/community, generosity, etc). Only talk about what you know. Limit yourself to things for which you have personal knowledge.
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.
You can negotiate for lower criminal penalties during a plea negotiation. Your attorney can argue for a reduced sentence during the sentencing hearing. After conviction, you can file a motion to reconsider your sentence or get an early release with good behavior.
Five Defense Techniques To Assist You in Obtaining a Lighter... Investigate Your Past to Elicit Sympathy. Show Genuine Regret and a Proactive Desire to Improve. Plea Bargains. Proving Circumstances to Avoid. Mitigating Circumstances Surrounding the Offense. There was No Actual Harm Done. The Victim Is Also at Fault.
A sentence reduction could result in a wholesale release from custody for time served or simply an acceleration of the defendant's anticipated release date from federal prison.
