A letter recommendation are mainly used by the judicial system. These letters verify the character of an individual. When one is to write a letter of reference for an individual who is wanting an Expungement of their criminal record, the process of this can be daunting (look up work). An individual must have advanced thoughts and planning when writing this letter.

In the letter you must know what specific details are needed, this is where you would ask the individual who needs the recommendation what the exact requirements are. When writing a letter of reference for an Expungement one must know the charges that the individual is trying to expunge.

This will help guide you on what to say in the letter. For example, if an individual is trying to get a drug charge expunged, then the focus needs to be strictly on their sobriety, meetings they’re attending, and where their life is now compared to where they use to be. The judicial system wants to make sure that the individual has been fully rehabilitated since they committed their crime. It is important to describe details when comparing the individual’s life while they was under the influence of a substance and how their life is now that they are sober.

In the letter of reference the writer should always state the relationship they have with the individual. A judge will want to know how long you have known the individual and how you know the individual. It is important that you emphasize that you know the individual well, this way there is no impact in your letter. If you knew the individual at the time he or she committed the crime, make sure you address that.

Being specific and giving examples on how the individual is now living a different life is important. Stating that the individual is a “perfect citizen” now will not suffice. The letter needs to be as detailed as possible, the more details the better. The judge overviewing the case wants to see that the individual is no longer a threat to society and himself or herself. Make sure to include any outside volunteer work the individual has performed or other ways he or she has helped others or you. Make you do not question the individual’s conviction, or state the system is unfair.

The letter of reference should be in a business format. This means a return address needs to be displayed on the letter. Placing a date on the letter is also recommended. The letter should be addressed to the appropriate individual. If you are unsure of the individual, make sure to ask who the judge, attorney, or officer is. Letters are expungement are generally addressed to the judge who are overseeing the case. Always address a “Judge (Insert last name)”. The title should not say, “To whom this may concern”, instead state, “To the honorable Judge *Insert first and last name*”

The sentence structure and grammar in the letter should always be correct. Using spell check and proofreading the letter can prevent these errors. There should be no abbreviations of slang in the letter. The individual should be professional and take the letter seriously. A judge wants to read a well-written, honest, and convincing letter to help determine if the individual deserves the expungement.