Be as persuasive as possible as you write your motion in a sequential, logical format. Express your ideas clearly, and make sure you outline what steps are necessary and how they will help your case. Use facts of the case whenever you can to avoid baseless emotional appeals.
In some circumstances, you file a petition or a motion. The court has several complaint forms that you may use in drafting your complaint. The forms are available online and at the Pro Se Intake Unit. You may also write your own complaint without using a court form.
Type the Name and Address of the Judge or Court Staff On the next line below the name, include the name of the court in which the judge presides, such as "San Francisco Superior Court" or "United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit." Directly under the name, include the judge's address, city, state and ZIP code.
Steps Check if a motion is available. One common motion is a motion for summary judgment. Get a sample. You should try to find a sample motion to use when drafting your own. Open a word processing document. Insert the caption. Title your motion. Introduce yourself. Research the law. Explain supporting facts.
General format - each motion generally consists of a case caption, a title that briefly identifies the relief sought, a series of numbered paragraphs that explains -- in a logical way -- why you are entitled to that relief, a prayer for relief, a signature block, a certification that a copy of the motion was sent to ...
2. Address the judge: In the salutation, use "Dear Judge Last Name" if you know the judge's name. If you don't, you can use "To the Presiding Judge."
General format - each motion generally consists of a case caption, a title that briefly identifies the relief sought, a series of numbered paragraphs that explains -- in a logical way -- why you are entitled to that relief, a prayer for relief, a signature block, a certification that a copy of the motion was sent to ...
Steps Check if the court has blank motion forms. Some courts have "check the boxes" or "fill in the blank" motion forms. Create your caption. Title your motion. Draft the introductory paragraph to the body of the motion. Request relief. Lay out the applicable facts. Make your legal argument. Insert a signature block.
The letter will express how the person on trial has impacted others — positively or negatively. It will ask for a specific outcome from the judge, whether it is a reduced sentence or maximum sentence. Another reason someone might write a letter to a judge is regarding custody of a child.
Letters from non-lawyers to judges are absolutely to be avoided. They are inappropriate and violate many rules regarding proper communication with judges. Some letters may be in violation of criminal law that prohibits improper efforts to influenc...