It can be a stressful and overwhelming experience if you or someone you know is facing criminal charges. However, if you believe that the charges are unfounded or that there are mitigating circumstances that should be considered, you may want to consider writing a letter to the district attorney requesting that the charges be dropped.
As you draft your letter, here are some important points to keep in mind:
Be respectful: It is important to maintain a respectful tone in your letter, even if you disagree with the charges or believe they are unjust. Address the prosecutor as “Dear Mr./Ms. [last name]” and use a polite, professional tone throughout.
Explain the situation: Provide a brief overview of the situation that led to the charges. Be honest and direct, but avoid making any statements that could be construed as an admission of guilt. Stick to the facts and avoid emotional language.
Explain your position: Explain why you think the charges should be dropped once you’ve explained the situation. Provide any evidence you have that supports your position, such as testimony or documentation. Be clear and concise, but avoid making accusations or attacking the prosecutor or anyone else involved in the case.
Provide additional information: You may want to provide additional information that could be relevant to the decision to drop the charges, depending on the circumstances of the case. For example, if you have a medical condition that contributed to the incident that led to the charges, or if there were extenuating circumstances that led you to make a poor decision, explain these factors in your letter.
Offer to cooperate: Lastly, you should offer to cooperate in any further investigation or legal action. This shows that you take the situation seriously and are willing to work with the authorities to resolve the matter.
Sample letter to district attorney to drop charges Download
The following is an example of a sample letter to a district attorney requesting that the charges against you be dropped:
Dear Mr./Ms. [Last Name], The purpose of this letter is to have the charges against me dismissed. On [date], I was charged with [offense] as a result of an incident that occurred on [describe incident]. I understand that this is a serious matter. However, I believe that there are mitigating circumstances that should be considered.
Firstly, I would like to stress that I had no intention of causing any harm or violating any law. The situation that led to the charges was caused by [explain]. I understand that this does not excuse my actions. However, I believe it is important for you to understand the context in which they occurred.
I also want to provide additional information that you may find relevant to your determination. [provide additional information]. It is my hope that this information will contribute to your understanding that the charges against me are unwarranted and that the dismissal of these charges would be in the best interests of justice.
Please know that I take this matter very seriously and will cooperate fully with any further investigation or legal process. Thanks for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
