How to Write a Compelling Letter to Judge for Expungement: Samples Included

If you have any records of misdemeanors, one way to have these cleared off your records is by writing a letter to a judge for the expungement of these offense(s).. Having these records can hinder your chances of getting anything that requires a background check: from getting a job to renting an apartment. 

This article will discuss everything you need to know to write a letter to a judge for expungement. We will also include some templates to help you get started when you need to write your expungement letter. 

What Is an Expungement Letter?

An expungement letter is written to remove offenses and misdemeanors completely from your public records. If an expungement request is granted, the record is treated as though it never happened and is removed from the record. 

Expungements are different from pardons in a number of ways, the most notable being that an expungement request can only be granted by a judge, while pardons can be done by politicians. This means all expungement letters are to be addressed to a judge. 

When your records are expunged, they’re not completely wiped off your records, they’re merely sealed from public view. This means neighbors, employers, journalists, and landlords cannot view them.

It is important to bear in mind where the crime was committed, and the nature of the crime has a part to play in whether or not it can be expunged. Later in this article, we will highlight some offenses that can and cannot be expunged. 

How to Write an Expungement Letter?

In this section of this article, we will discuss everything you need to know to write a letter to a judge for expungement. Before writing, you need to remember that as far as professional letters go, this is a professional letter. This means it must follow professional letter-writing etiquette. 

Write the introduction: 

At the risk of sounding repetitive, an expungement letter is a letter, this means it must contain your address and the court’s address, followed by the date the letter was written. 

The next step is to address the judge. Even if you know the judge’s name, you shouldn’t address them as anything other than “Dear Judge.”

In the next paragraph, briefly introduce yourself and anything you feel is relevant to your case.

Explain the Record You Want to Be Expunged

The next phase of your letter is where you write the charge or misdemeanor you want to be expunged. You should state this briefly and include only the relevant details. This includes anything that helps your case, such as your age or the motive behind the misdemeanor. 

In this section of the letter, also state why you want your record expunged. If your reason isn’t good enough or explained adequately, this could also affect your chances. If necessary, explain how the record has affected your life negatively and ensure it ties into why you want the record expunged. 

You need to ensure you’re using a remorseful tone when doing this. If the judge senses any form of disrespect or doesn’t feel remorse in your letter, they may not grant your request.  

Plead Your Case with Evidence 

You have explained what your charge is and why you want it expunged. In this section, you explain to the judge why they should do it. If you claim you committed the misdemeanor when you were a young adult, why should they believe you’re not the same person you once were?

This is the section of the letter where you explain that.  This is one of the most important parts of your letter and must be written perfectly. This means it must include any detail you feel helps your case. 

Did you get a DUI and have been sober since the incident? Include that in your letter. 

Have you been volunteering? Engaging in any philanthropic activity? All of these should be included in your letter as they help your case. 

Write the Conclusion

The conclusion should serve as a summary of why you want your record expunged, thanks to the judge, and should include your anticipation. 

Also, remember to include that you’re willing to discuss anything further if they want. Chances are they wouldn’t, but you should keep communication lines open. 

What Felonies Can Be Expunged?

We’ve discussed what expungement letters are and how to write them. In this section of this article, we will list the kinds of records that can get expunged. This information is important as it tells you whether or not you should proceed with writing your expungement letter. 

While each state has a list of criminal records that can be expunged, here’s a list of misdemeanors that can most likely be expunged:

• Infractions
• Non-violent crimes
• Dropped or dismissed charges
• Juvenile misdemeanors
• Arrest records
• Low-level misdemeanors

These are the kinds of misdemeanors that can be expunged from your record. For more grievous felonies, the chances of having those expunged are slim to none.

Letter to Judge for Expungement Template one

Your Name
Your Address
Your City, State, Zip Code

DATE

Judge’s Name
Name of Court Jurisdiction
Court's Address
City, State, Zip Code

RE: Expungement for (your name)

Dear (Name of Judge):

This is a formal request to plead to remove an arrest from my record. Attached to this letter is a copy of my record and case number. 

I was arrested for a shoplifting charge on (state date), and while no item was found in my possession, I was arrested, and I was with people who had stolen something. However, this arrest is still on my record, and I humbly request that it is expunged. 

I just graduated college, where I came out with distinction, and I intend to start a career as a software developer. However, my record will likely affect my job chances. 

Since the arrest, I have turned a new leaf and have cut ties with the friends that led me down the path. 

To begin my career and lead the life I want, I would need a clean record. 

Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach me at (your number and email address).

Sincerely,
Your name and Signature

Letter to Judge for Expungement Template Two

Your Name
Your Address
Your City, State, Zip Code

DATE

Judge’s Name
Name of Court Jurisdiction
Court's Address
City, State, Zip Code

RE: Expungement for (your name)

Dear (Judge),

My name is (state your name) and I am writing to kindly request that my record is expunged. 

On the (include date), I was arrested for driving under the influence. No accident occurred, and no lives were lost, but I was arrested, and it has been on my record ever since. 

I just became a father and my partner and I are looking for a new home to raise our family in. We have found several of them, but after a background check, the agents refuse to complete the sale due to my records. 

Since the arrest, I have been a teetotaler and have volunteer at five alcoholics anonymous and donated to countless more. 

I humbly request that this arrest be expunged from my records to help my family get a home to grow old in. 

Thank you for your time and consideration. 
Kind Regards, 
(Your name and signature)

Before writing a letter to a judge for expungement, you must ensure that you understand your state’s law regarding expungements. Knowing this helps you understand how to go about your request.