how to write a formal letter to a district attorney for speeding

by Betsy Tillman 6 min read

In the first paragraph introduce yourself and state the purpose of your letter. Continue by giving the date, number, and amount of the ticket, as well as the location of the incident and your license plate number. for example; This is a formal appeal request for a speeding ticket I received on [DATE].

Write the district attorney.
  1. Mention that you are not contesting your speed or the speed zone in the area.
  2. Explain why you were speeding – i.e. you did not realize the new speed limit after transitioning from a faster speed zone.
  3. Apologize and indicate that you will watch your speed more closely in the future.

Full Answer

Do you need a lawyer to write a speeding ticket appeal letter?

 · Sample 1 – Speeding Ticket Appeal Letter [Name of Driver] [Address of Driver] [City, State, Zip Code] [DATE] [Name of Judge] [Address of Court] [City, State, Zip Code] RE: Appeal of speeding ticket number [NUMBER] Dear [Name of Judge]: This letter is a formal request to appeal a speeding ticket I received on [DATE].

How do you write a formal letter to the district attorney?

This letter is a formal request to appeal a speeding ticket I received on DATE. My name and address are above and the ticket number is NUMBER. The license plate of my car is NUMBER. I received the ticket on Name of Street for driving 40 mph in a 25 mph zone.

How do you communicate with the district attorney during a trial?

 · Dear Sir, (better is Dear Mr. Smith, if you can find his name) I received a ticket in the city of Auburn on July 7, 2009. I was on the arterial on my way to work at the Port Byron Diner when I was stopped for doing 55 in a 40. Please understand that it is not a habit of mine to speed.

How do I find the district attorney for a traffic ticket?

 · Posted on Jul 11, 2013. Yes, you may write a letter to the DA. But it would be wise to show it to your husband's attorney first as you may inadvertently include info in your correspondence that can have an unintended consequence. You have no way of knowing what info the DA already has, or how the DA might add 2 and 2 and come up with 5.

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How do you write a formal letter to an attorney?

A letter to an attorney should be written in a formal letter format with the attorney's name, law firm and address at the top near the date, addressed using a salutation and signed off with a closing such as "Very Truly Yours" or "Sincerely."

Should I write a letter to the prosecutor?

Regardless of how and when such character letters are provided to the prosecuting attorney, there is no doubt that good character letters can assist the prosecuting attorney in better understanding you as a person and why it would be appropriate for them to consider a reduction in the criminal charges you now face.

How do you write a letter to a judge for leniency?

A letter requesting leniency should always address the judge as “Your Honor.” The letter should be truthful and express regret for the offense, unless the defendant is maintaining their innocence of the charges. It should note the defendant's efforts to rehabilitate themselves in chronological order.

How do you write a character letter to a judge?

Tips for Writing an Effective Character LetterAddress Your Letter to the Judge. ... Establish a Clear Relationship with the Defendant. ... Be Truthful. ... Be Positive. ... Include a Discussion of the Crime. ... Do Not Suggest Penalties for the Crime.

How do you address a DA in a letter?

Use the correct form of address.The envelope: The Honorable (Full name), District Attorney of (city or county)Letter salutation: Dear Mr. / Madame District Attorney:

How do you get a prosecutor to drop charges?

There are several ways for criminal defendants to convince a prosecutor to drop their charges. They can present exculpatory evidence, complete a pretrial diversion program, agree to testify against another defendant, take a plea deal, or show that their rights were violated by the police.

Does writing a letter to the judge work?

Writing a letter to the judge in a legal case can indeed influence the outcome of a case. The letter can offer the judge background information that will help him or her make the best possible decision and, in some cases, such letters can help victims and other affected parties make their voices heard.

How do you write a letter of hardship asking for leniency in the payment of fines?

Ask plainly for leniency, reduction or elimination of payment. If the collector can't eliminate or reduce payment, let her know that you are willing to make payment arrangements. Explain your plan to catch up on your payments. Offer only what you can afford without taking from your necessary expenses.

How do you get a judge to rule in your favor?

How to Persuade a JudgeYour arguments must make logical sense. ... Know your audience.Know your case.Know your adversary's case.Never overstate your case. ... If possible lead with the strongest argument.Select the most easily defensible position that favors your case.Don't' try to defend the indefensible.More items...•

How do I write a good character letter?

How to write a character reference letterStart by explaining your relationship to the candidate. How do you know the candidate? ... Include long you've known the candidate. ... Add positive personal qualities with specific examples. ... Close with a statement of recommendation. ... Offer your contact information.

How do you address a judge in a letter?

Write "Dear Judge (surname)," to begin the letter. If writing to a U.S. state or federal Supreme Court, use "Dear Justice" instead. If a judge's title is "Chief Judge" or "Chief Justice," you may use that title instead. "Judge" or "Justice" is also acceptable.

Can a family member write a character reference for court?

The character reference for court is to provide the Judge a family member, friend, or co-worker with a written statement on the Defendant's moral or mental qualities.

What evidence should be included in a speed limit letter?

Any evidence that may help your case should be mentioned in the letter and, if possible, proof should be included. For example, if the speed limit sign is covered by plants or other signs, a photo should be taken and sent with the letter to prove it wasn’t possible for you to see the correct speed limit. If there is any chance that a radar gun ...

Why do you need a photo of a speed limit sign?

For example, if the speed limit sign is covered by plants or other signs, a photo should be taken and sent with the letter to prove it wasn’t possible for you to see the correct speed limit. If there is any chance that a radar gun or traffic camera was in error, it can be mentioned also.

What happens if you go over the speed limit?

In most states, if the driver is five or 10 miles per hour over the posted speed limit, they may only get a warning from the police officer, or , if they are given a ticket, there is a better chance they can get it retracted or reduced.

Can you appeal a speeding ticket if you have not had a previous ticket?

If you had not had any previous speeding tickets or not had one for three years, there is a good chance you can appeal the speeding ticket.

Can you be charged for driving 75 mph in 50 mph zone?

However, if they are driving 75 mph in a 50 mph zone, there is a good chance they will be charged the maximum amount with no chance of retraction. The exception may be if the driver is taking a person to an emergency room at a hospital, or going to some other emergency.

Is the speed limit sign easy to see?

The new speed limit sign is not easy to see as it is partially covered by the sign of a local restaurant. I have enclosed a photograph of the sign.

Does a speeding ticket raise your insurance?

Speeding tickets not only have large fines, they may also raise your insurance rates. In some cases, it may raise the premium by 25 percent according to nerdwallet. Since requesting an appeal on a speeding ticket is asking for a favor, you must remember to be humble, and appreciate that the officer was doing his or her job properly.

How long does it take to get a speeding ticket voided?

If the driver qualifies for one of these programs, he or she has a good chance of getting the ticket voided. Sometimes, it requires a waiting period of six months, during which no speeding tickets must be received by the driver. If this is the case, the ticket will be erased.

What happens if you go over the speed limit?

In most states, if the driver is five or 10 miles per hour over the posted speed limit, they may only get a warning from the police officer, or , if they are given a ticket, there is a better chance they can get it retracted or reduced. ​.

How often do insurance companies check for speeding tickets?

Insurance Rates. In most cases, the company may check every 18 months to two years. Almost half of drivers under 25 years of age report having their insurance rates raised after getting a speeding ticket.

Can a ticket be retracted if the driver is speeding?

Even if the driver was speeding, there is still a chance he or she can have the ticket retracted or the fine reduced. ​. Ticket Retracted. The driver should be aware of his or her chances of getting the ticket retracted or the fine reduced.

Can you appeal a speeding ticket?

Along with the fine, the driver’s insurance rate may also increase, causing higher premiums for a few years at best. If the driver had not had any previous speeding tickets or not had one for three years, there is a good chance he or she can appeal the ticket.

Can you be charged for driving 75 mph in a 50 mph zone?

However, if they are driving 75 mph in a 50 mph zone, there is a good chance they will be charged the maximum amount with no chance of retraction. The exception may be if the driver is taking a person to an emergency room at a hospital, or going to some other emergency. ​. ​. Large Fines.

Does speeding ticket raise insurance premium?

Speeding tickets not only have large fines, they may also raise the insurance rate the driver pays. In some cases, it may raise the premium by 93 percent according to Bankrate. The insurance company needs to pay to check a customer’s driving record. This is why it often doesn’t check.

How to address a concern with the district attorney?

The district attorney may not have the authority to address your concern, and may simply refer you to another office. If you are not sure to whom you should address your concern, consider telephoning the district attorney's office or contacting an attorney.

How to find the name of the district attorney?

If you do not already know the name of the district attorney in your jurisdiction, you can find it online by searching for the website of the "office of the district attorney" or "district attorney's office" in your area. "District attorney" is the title of the chief prosecutor ...

How to start a salutation?

Write the salutation. The salutation, or greeting, normally begins with "Dear." It is acceptable to begin your salutation with "Dear Mr./Madame District Attorney" or "Dear Mr./Ms. (surname)."

What does it mean to address an authority figure?

When addressing any authority figure, it is polite to show respect that person and the office he or she holds by using the proper title. Twenty-one states in the United States use the title of "district attorney" to refer to the chief prosecutor of a jurisdiction.

Is a district attorney's office confidential?

If you are making unsolicited contact with the district attorney or his or her office, you may not be entitled to attorney-client privilege, and your communication may not be confidential .

Do you capitalize "district attorney"?

Tips. "District attorney" is not a proper noun, and does not need to be capitalized unless it is being used as a person's title. For example, "I have a question for District Attorney Johnson" versus "I have a question for the district attorney.". Thanks!

Brian K Wanerman

The other attorney's on this post are correct. While there's no law against writing to the DA, you DEFINITELY should not do this without first consulting with your husband's attorney. Otherwise, you could cause irreparable damage to his case and make things for your husband MUCH worse...

Nicholas Milan Loncar

As Ms. McCall said, do not contact the DA without running it by your husband's defense attorney. You may be trying to help, but could inadvertently hurt his defense. Best...

Anthony Michael Solis

DO NOT do anything of the sort without consulting with your husband's attorney. The information contained in your letter could turn you into a witness in the case at worst and at best, potentially conflict with whatever strategy your husband's lawyer is working on. Please don't send anything directly without talking to the lawyer.

Christine C McCall

Yes, you may write a letter to the DA. But it would be wise to show it to your husband's attorney first as you may inadvertently include info in your correspondence that can have an unintended consequence. You have no way of knowing what info the DA already has, or how the DA might add 2 and 2 and come up with 5.

What to write in a letter on behalf of the defendant?

If writing a letter on behalf of the defendant, talk about the positive aspects of the defendant’s character and explain how the sentence will affect the defendant and his or her family.

How to write a letter to a judge?

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). In addition to following a business-style structure, you should write the letter in a professional tone to ensure the judge will take your letter seriously. Write in the language you are fluent in, whether or not that is English. This will help you get your ideas across accurately and clearly, rather than writing in a language you are not entirely comfortable with. There will be someone available to the judge to translate your letter.

What to write about when you are a victim?

If you are a victim or writing on behalf of one, you can write about how the crime has affected the victim physically, emotionally, or socially. Explain how the victim’s life and the lives around him or her have been changed.

Why do people write letters to judges?

Another reason someone might write a letter to a judge is regarding custody of a child. Family members and friends of the parents and child may feel obligated to share their experiences with the adult and why or why not they would make a fit parent. Other reasons for writing include a request for an inmate’s early release or a recommendation ...

How long should a letter be for leniency?

The letter should be no longer than one page. 7. Signature.

What should you say when signing a letter?

When signing the letter, you should close out with “Respectfully” or “Sincerely,” followed by both a typed and handwritten signature with your first and last name.

What is the first thing that goes on the inside of a letter?

1. Your Information (first thing that goes on the inside of the letter)

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