Sample Letter To Judge For Leniency In Sentencing In Virginia

State:
Multi-State
Control #:
US-0006LTR
Format:
Word; 
Rich Text
Instant download

Description

This form is a sample letter in Word format covering the subject matter of the title of the form.

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FAQ

Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 35(b) permits a court, upon the government's motion, to impose a new, reduced sentence that takes into account post-sentencing substantial assistance, and that new sentence may go below the recommended guideline range and any statutory mandatory minimum penalty.

Applying for sentence reduction also involves collecting critical supporting evidence, such as medical reports or participation certificates from rehabilitation programs. After all evidence has been gathered, a petition or motion will need to be filed to the court to request the sentence reduction officially.

But the Guidelines will recommend a lower sentence if the defendant has accepted responsibility for his actions, or otherwise played a minor role in the offense conduct. The Guidelines also factor in the defendant's prior criminal history and recommend a more severe sentence for repeat offenders.

Writing the Content of the Letter Write who you are and what your profession is. Explain how you know the defendant. Provide a general statement of support. Write a statement on the defendant's character. Add additional information. Write the conclusion. Avoid improper remarks.

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.

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.

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.

Tips for an Effective Character Letter Tip One: Setting the Stage. As an initial matter, a character letter should only come from people who actually know the defendant. Tip Two: Tell a Story. Tip Three: Avoid Undermining the Case. Tip Four: Formatting Considerations. Tip Five: Understand a Realistic Outcome.

More info

Dear judge (name), I am writing to ask for leniency in the sentencing of my husband, because (then give all your reasons and speak only from your heart). Explain why you feel you deserve leniency.I am writing this letter on behalf of a former student of mine who is presently before you on criminal charges and is due to be sentenced shortly. Address a piece of professional letterhead to the judge at the top of the letter. Good character reference letters help the judge understand the defendant as an individual. Ideally, the writer should express how he or she knows the defendant. The core of your letter should explain why you believe the judge should show leniency towards the defendant. Indicate that the year is up, and you are writing to ask the court to amend your charge to a misdemeanor. One event may cover multiple violations for an offender in the current court. Your own recommendation and request for leniency and mercy for (Defendant Name). 7.

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Sample Letter To Judge For Leniency In Sentencing In Virginia