\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. A score of 50 is given to the client based on an aggregation of validated responses. It indicates that a large proportion of a lawyers peers consider him or her to be of the highest professional caliber. It guided me from beginning to end, and the instructions given were very clear. Your lawyer will make an argument for a light prison sentence at your sentencing hearing. 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. This site uses cookies to enhance site navigation and personalize your experience. When writing to a judge, it is best to begin with Dear Judge (last name), followed by The Honorable, and finally the word Judge when addressing the judge in person, but the letter should begin with Dear Judge (last name). Writing the Letter Accept fault for the ticket and express regret for committing a violation. signNow makes signing easier and more convenient since it provides users with a number of extra features like Invite to Sign, Add Fields, Merge Documents, and so on. The Law Dictionary is not a law firm, and this page does not create an attorney-client or legal adviser relationship. Use the "Tips on Writing to Your Elected Officials" as a guide. Doing so will prevent you from accidentally revealing information that could negatively affect your case, but more significantly, the most effective letters are those meant to sway sentencing rather than those meant to sway a verdict. 2023 airSlate Inc. All rights reserved. The Superior Court of California - County of Orange "fill-in-the-blank" examples. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. Include a memo line with your case number and the caption of the case (i.e., John Smith vs. Jane Doe). Choose My Signature. For example, Muskegon County, Mich., requires letters to be mailed within 14 days from receipt of the citation. Create your signature, and apply it to the page. Read all the field labels carefully. Also, the defendant must demonstrate how he or she has changed since the crime occurred and must provide any relevant letters, affidavits, or other documents that support the defendants position. Explain why you believe the defendant should not be held responsible for the crime(s). It would be selfish on your part. This name and address should be left-justified and written out as you would an address at the top of any letter, below the date. Citation Number: Driver's Name: Driver's License Number: Violation(s): Please send the paperwork to the following address: _____ _____ _____ I have included the court's traffic school fee with this letter. It is important to write your letter with your own details and based on your own circumstances. When a court considers a case, it is true that writing a letter to the judge can have an impact on the outcome. There are three variants; a typed, drawn or uploaded signature. Here is a sample explanation letter for speeding that may help you in the future. Professional letters are usually written in a formal style and need to be clear and concise. Al E. Bavry, Sarasota. To write a letter to a judge, start by introducing yourself and stating your profession. Peer review ratings from Martindale-Hubbell are the gold standard in terms of objectivity and comprehensiveness. Parking in prohibited areas, for example, in handicapped spots, near fire hydrants, or when the driver's time at the meter has expired, Faulty parts like cracked windshields, headlights, or taillights, Expired tags that are seen on parked cars. By searching the title, publisher, or authors of guide you really want, you can discover . 4. The letter should be well-written and free of grammar or spelling errors. Personalized Approach, National . Any lawyer who consults or hires a lawyer is a reviewer, including corporate executives, small business owners, and private individuals. Answer (1 of 4): I don't know that writing a letter will be helpful, or necessary, if it is at all possible. Can you think of some good deeds done by the defendant (hard work, dedication to family, church, community, generosity, etc.)? Create an account using your email or sign in via Google or Facebook. ", would be helpful to include in a letter, e.g., leniency, reduce sentence, etc. This is no mean feat, and it's why we believe we can help you get a reduced fine on your traffic violation without a lawyer. In the second paragraph, offer a general statement of support by letting the judge know you're aware of the defendant's wrongdoing and you're still willing to support him. These traffic offenses are typically associated with defective car parts or parking negligence. Other reasons for writing include arequest for an inmates early release or arecommendation for someones legal status. Write a letter to a judge requesting that a case be dismissed. When you ask for help, make certain that you are expressing your feelings clearly and concisely. If you are a professional, you should use your own letterhead or one that is available. Appeal Your Speeding Ticket with These Sample Letters - Request Letters The best way to write a letter to a judge is in business style, which is a formal way of structuring your message (outlined below). Explain a reduced fine is preferable to the full amount, and you may choose to add you're willing to go to traffic school overpaying any fine. Spencer received his B.A. Provide extenuating circumstances and evidence of good character. Alternatively, you could try getting this information on the judicial branch website of your state before calling the court. At least, in the U.S. How to Write a Plea Letter to a Judge 1 Consider the plea you will be putting in the letter . This article received 23 testimonials and 83% of readers who voted found it helpful, earning it our reader-approved status.