If you are seeking to have your criminal record expunged, one important piece of evidence that can support your case is a character letter. This letter is a written statement from someone who knows you well and can attest to your character and rehabilitation. In this article, we’ll explain what a character letter for expungement is and provide tips for writing and submitting one. Additionally, we’ll offer seven examples of character letters for different situations and answer some frequently asked questions about the process.
What is a Character Letter for Expungement?
A character letter for expungement is a written statement from someone who knows the defendant and can attest to their good character and rehabilitation. The letter should explain how the defendant has changed since their conviction and why expungement is in the best interests of the community. The letter should be addressed to the presiding judge or magistrate and should be submitted as part of the defendant’s petition for expungement.
If you’re asked to write a character letter for someone seeking expungement, it’s important to understand what’s at stake. An expungement can make a huge difference in someone’s life by allowing them to move on from their criminal past and pursue opportunities that may have been closed to them before.
Tips for Writing a Character Letter for Expungement
Here are some tips for writing a strong character letter for someone seeking expungement:
1. Start with a Title
Begin by writing a title that clearly states the purpose of the letter. For example, “Character Letter in Support of Expungement for John Doe.”
2. Provide a Detailed and In-Depth Explanation
The body of the letter should provide a detailed explanation of your relationship with the defendant and why you believe they deserve a second chance. Be specific and give examples of how the defendant has demonstrated their rehabilitation, such as holding a steady job, volunteering in the community, or completing a rehabilitation program.
3. Let’s Explain Step by Step
Take a step-by-step approach to writing the letter. Start with an introduction that explains who you are and your relationship to the defendant. Then, explain why you believe the defendant is a good candidate for expungement. Finally, close with a statement of support and an offer to provide additional information if needed.
Examples of Character Letters for Expungement
Character Letter in Support of Expungement for DUI
Dear Honorable Judge,
I am writing this letter in support of John Doe’s petition for expungement of his DUI conviction. I have known John for over five years and can attest to his character and rehabilitation.
After his conviction, John recognized the error of his ways and took full responsibility for his actions. He completed a rehabilitation program and has been sober for three years. He also volunteers at a local crisis hotline and has held a steady job for the past two years. I believe that expungement is in the best interests of John and the community at large.
Thank you for your consideration of this matter.
Sincerely,
Jane Smith
Character Letter in Support of Expungement for Drug Possession
Dear Honorable Judge,
I am writing this letter in support of Jane Doe’s petition for expungement of her drug possession conviction. I have known Jane for ten years and can attest to her character and rehabilitation.
After her conviction, Jane sought help for her addiction and completed a rehabilitation program. She has been sober for four years and has since earned a college degree and started a successful career. Jane is an active member of the community and volunteers at a local women’s shelter. I believe that expungement is in the best interests of Jane and the community at large.
Thank you for your consideration of this matter.
Sincerely,
John Smith
Character Letter in Support of Expungement for Theft
Dear Honorable Judge,
I am writing this letter in support of Sarah Johnson’s petition for expungement of her theft conviction. I have known Sarah for five years and can attest to her character and rehabilitation.
After her conviction, Sarah recognized the error of her ways and took steps to make amends. She has since paid back the money that she stole and completed a restitution program. Sarah has also held a steady job for the past three years and volunteers at a local food bank. I believe that expungement is in the best interests of Sarah and the community at large.
Thank you for your consideration of this matter.
Sincerely,
Mark Davis
Character Letter in Support of Expungement for Assault
Dear Honorable Judge,
I am writing this letter in support of Michael Brown’s petition for expungement of his assault conviction. I have known Michael for three years and can attest to his character and rehabilitation.
After his conviction, Michael sought counseling for his anger issues and has since completed a program to learn healthy coping mechanisms. He has also held a steady job for two years and volunteers at a local youth center. I believe that expungement is in the best interests of Michael and the community at large.
Thank you for your consideration of this matter.
Sincerely,
Jessica Lee
Character Letter in Support of Expungement for Prostitution
Dear Honorable Judge,
I am writing this letter in support of Maria Garcia’s petition for expungement of her prostitution conviction. I have known Maria for five years and can attest to her character and rehabilitation.
After her conviction, Maria sought help for her substance abuse issues and has been sober for four years. She has also completed a rehabilitation program and has held a steady job for three years. Maria volunteers at a local women’s shelter and is an active member of the community. I believe that expungement is in the best interests of Maria and the community at large.
Thank you for your consideration of this matter.
Sincerely,
David Rodriguez
Character Letter in Support of Expungement for Embezzlement
Dear Honorable Judge,
I am writing this letter in support of Tom Smith’s petition for expungement of his embezzlement conviction. I have known Tom for seven years and can attest to his character and rehabilitation.
After his conviction, Tom took full responsibility for his actions and worked hard to make amends. He has since paid back the money he embezzled and completed a restitution program. Tom has held a steady job for the past four years and volunteers at a local charity. I believe that expungement is in the best interests of Tom and the community at large.
Thank you for your consideration of this matter.
Sincerely,
Lisa Brown
Character Letter in Support of Expungement for Domestic Violence
Dear Honorable Judge,
I am writing this letter in support of Sarah Johnson’s petition for expungement of her domestic violence conviction. I have known Sarah for five years and can attest to her character and rehabilitation.
After her conviction, Sarah sought counseling for her anger issues and has since completed a program to learn healthy coping mechanisms. She has also held a steady job for the past two years and volunteers at a local domestic violence shelter. I believe that expungement is in the best interests of Sarah and the community at large.
Thank you for your consideration of this matter.
Sincerely,
Mark Davis
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an expungement?
An expungement is a legal process that allows a person to have their criminal record cleared or sealed. It essentially erases the conviction from their record, making it less visible or completely invisible to the public and potential employers.
Who is eligible for expungement?
Eligibility for expungement varies by state and jurisdiction, but generally, you must have completed your sentence and demonstrated rehabilitation. You cannot have any pending charges or convictions, and the crime you were convicted of cannot be a serious or violent offense.
How can a character letter help with expungement?
A character letter can help demonstrate to the court that you have made positive changes in your life and are a good candidate for expungement. It can also show that you have the support of members of your community who believe in your rehabilitation and second chance.
Who should write a character letter?
A character letter should be written by someone who knows you well and can speak to your character and rehabilitation. This could be a friend, family member, employer, or community member who has interacted with you in a positive way since your conviction.
What should be included in a character letter?
A character letter should include an introduction that explains who you are and your relationship to the defendant, a detailed explanation of why you believe the defendant is a good candidate for expungement, and a statement of support and offer to provide additional information if needed.
What should the tone of the letter be?
The tone of the letter should be formal and respectful, but also heartfelt and personal. You should avoid being too emotional or exaggerating the defendant’s good qualities, but also make sure to convey your genuine belief in their rehabilitation and second chance.
Where should the letter be submitted?
The letter should be addressed to the presiding judge or magistrate and should be submitted as part of the defendant’s petition for expungement. Check with your local court or legal aid organization for specific instructions on where and how to submit the letter.
Conclusion
A character letter for expungement can be a powerful tool in supporting someone’s bid for a second chance. By providing a detailed and personal account of the defendant’s character and rehabilitation, you can help demonstrate to the court that expungement is in the best interests of the community. Use the tips and examples provided in this article to write a strong and effective letter that can make a real difference in someone’s life.