Writing a Simple Letter of Reference for Expungement (with Sample)
Use this sample letter of Reference for Expungement as a template for your formal reference letter.
Last updated on November 22, 2023
When someone wants to remove unwanted items from their criminal record, they may require a letter of reference for expungement.
The main reason a person may want to expunge their criminal record is because it is inhibiting a rental agreement, loan application or job application.
For example, the person may have been arrested but not charged with any crime. In this case, they have the right to have the arrest record sealed and any identifying parts of the record returned.
To achieve this, they need to write an expungement letter and send it along with a character reference letter to the judge or other person who has the power to expunge their record.
Letter of Reference for Expungement
A letter of reference for expungement is usually considered when the judicial system is verifying a person’s character and rehabilitation. Writing this type of letter is not simple, but there are a few steps that will make it easier.
The main reason a person may want to expunge their criminal record is because it is inhibiting a rental agreement, loan application or job application.
For example, the person may have been arrested but not charged with any crime. In this case, they have the right to have the arrest record sealed and any identifying parts of the record returned.
To achieve this, they need to write an expungement letter and send it along with a character reference letter to the judge or other person who has the power to expunge their record.
Letter of Reference for Expungement
A letter of reference for expungement is usually considered when the judicial system is verifying a person’s character and rehabilitation. Writing this type of letter is not simple, but there are a few steps that will make it easier.
There are several rules governing expungement that must be met before a person is allowed to write an expungement letter. It’s important for the person writing an expungement recommendation letter to be sure the candidate qualifies for expungement. If these conditions are met, there is no need for a petition or hearing.
They are:
Letter of Recommendation
The person writing the letter of recommendation should find out the exact charges the requesting person is trying to have expunged because this will help guide the content of the letter.
For example, if the charge is illegal drug related, the writer needs to focus on the clean lifestyle and any rehabilitation the person has undergone. This may require proof or documentation.
They are:
- No gross misdemeanor or felony conviction on their record for the past 10 years
- Before determining probable cause all charges were dismissed
- The prosecution didn’t file charges
- After the arrest, the applicant didn’t participate in a diversion program
- A grand jury didn’t return the indictment
Letter of Recommendation
The person writing the letter of recommendation should find out the exact charges the requesting person is trying to have expunged because this will help guide the content of the letter.
For example, if the charge is illegal drug related, the writer needs to focus on the clean lifestyle and any rehabilitation the person has undergone. This may require proof or documentation.
The letter should clearly state the relationship the writer has with their friend or relative. A judge or parole officer will want to know how long the writer has known the person. It should state that he or she knows the person well, or it may not be taken seriously.
If the writer knew the person at the time of the crime, it should be stated because it gives more credibility to the writer if he or she knew the person when they committed the crime and throughout their rehabilitation.
Give Specifics
The letter needs to give specific ways in which the person has been rehabilitated. It’s not enough to say he or she is a good person or he or she has changed a lot. The letter must give concrete examples with details that prove the person has changed.
This may include any volunteer work the person does to help the community or a local charity. This will support the idea that the person is contributes to society and is no longer a threat.
Below is a sample reference for expungement letter. It should be written in formal business letter format and address to the proper person. It is the writers responsibility to find out to whom the letter should be addressed. It may be the judge who oversees the case. If so, the judge should be addresses as Judge LAST NAME.
The letter should be professionally written with correct grammar and spelling. If it is sloppy, it will not be taken seriously. It is recommended to have a knowledgeable person check the letter for mistakes.
If the writer knew the person at the time of the crime, it should be stated because it gives more credibility to the writer if he or she knew the person when they committed the crime and throughout their rehabilitation.
Give Specifics
The letter needs to give specific ways in which the person has been rehabilitated. It’s not enough to say he or she is a good person or he or she has changed a lot. The letter must give concrete examples with details that prove the person has changed.
This may include any volunteer work the person does to help the community or a local charity. This will support the idea that the person is contributes to society and is no longer a threat.
Below is a sample reference for expungement letter. It should be written in formal business letter format and address to the proper person. It is the writers responsibility to find out to whom the letter should be addressed. It may be the judge who oversees the case. If so, the judge should be addresses as Judge LAST NAME.
The letter should be professionally written with correct grammar and spelling. If it is sloppy, it will not be taken seriously. It is recommended to have a knowledgeable person check the letter for mistakes.
Sample Letter of Reference for Expungement
Name of Writer
Address of Writer
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
The Honorable Judge FIRST NAME LAST NAME
Address of Judge
City, State, Zip Code
RE: Letter of reference for expungement
Dear Judge LAST NAME:
This letter is a formal reference letter to request to have the court expunge the criminal record of Name of Person. I have known Name of Person since his birth as I attended college with his mother and was a Maid of Honor in her wedding.
He is requesting that a felony conviction for possession of cocaine twelve years ago be expunged from his record as it is negatively impacting all of his job applications because of criminal background checks.
He served a jail term of 18 months and has had no further problems with drugs or the law. He considers his conviction the result of youthful carelessness and has no intention of being in any way involved with illegal drugs in the future.
After he was released from prison, he attended community college and received a diploma in network administration. However, whenever he applies for a job, they refuse because he has a criminal record.
I have watched him these last 10 years improve his life and would like to help him get the second chance he deserves. If you have any questions, I can be reached at Phone Number or at Email Address.
Thank you in advance for considering my request.
Sincerely,
Signature of Writer
Printed Name of Writer
By Andre Bradley
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is a Letter of Reference for Expungement?
Answer: A Letter of Reference for Expungement is a document written by someone who knows an individual seeking to have their criminal record expunged. It serves as a recommendation or reference letter that supports the person's request for expungement. The purpose of the letter is to provide additional information about the individual's character, rehabilitation, and their potential to lead a law-abiding life. It is typically submitted to the court or relevant legal authority overseeing the expungement process.
Q: Who can write a Letter of Reference for Expungement?
Answer: A Letter of Reference for Expungement can be written by anyone who is familiar with the individual seeking expungement and can provide valuable insight into their character, behavior, and rehabilitation. This may include employers, teachers, mentors, community leaders, counselors, or even family members. It is important to choose someone who can speak positively about the individual's personal growth, efforts to reform, and their potential to reintegrate into society.
Q: What should be included in a Letter of Reference for Expungement?
Answer: A Letter of Reference for Expungement should include specific details and examples that highlight the individual's positive attributes and rehabilitation efforts. It should address the person's character, integrity, work ethic, community involvement, educational achievements, or any other relevant information.
The letter should also mention the writer's relationship to the individual and their qualifications to speak on their behalf. It is crucial to emphasize the person's commitment to personal growth, remorse for past actions, and their dedication to living a law-abiding life in the future.
Q: How should a Letter of Reference for Expungement be formatted and structured?
Answer: A Letter of Reference for Expungement should follow a professional and formal format. It should begin with a formal salutation addressing the court or relevant authority. The writer's name, contact information, and date should be included at the top of the letter. The body of the letter should be organized into paragraphs, each focusing on a specific aspect of the individual's character, rehabilitation, or achievements.
The letter should end with a closing statement reaffirming the writer's support for the individual's expungement and their willingness to answer any further questions if necessary. Finally, the letter should be signed by the writer, and their name should be printed below the signature.
Q: How can a Letter of Reference for Expungement strengthen an individual's case?
Answer: A well-written Letter of Reference for Expungement can significantly strengthen an individual's case for having their criminal record expunged. It provides the court or relevant authority with additional perspectives and insights into the individual's character, rehabilitation efforts, and future potential.
The letter demonstrates that the person has the support and endorsement of people who have witnessed their positive changes and believe in their ability to reintegrate into society as a law-abiding citizen. A persuasive and detailed letter can help the court understand the individual's growth, remorse, and commitment to a better future, increasing their chances of a successful expungement.
Q: Are there any specific guidelines or requirements for writing a Letter of Reference for Expungement?
Answer: While there are no universal guidelines or requirements for writing a Letter of Reference for Expungement, it is essential to follow any instructions provided by the court or relevant legal authority overseeing the expungement process. Additionally, the letter should be honest, concise, and focused on the individual's positive attributes, rehabilitation efforts, and potential for a law-abiding future.
It is crucial to avoid any exaggerations or false information, as this could undermine the person's credibility. Adhering to a professional tone and format while including specific examples and evidence can make the letter more effective in supporting the individual's case.
Related Articles
Name of Writer
Address of Writer
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
The Honorable Judge FIRST NAME LAST NAME
Address of Judge
City, State, Zip Code
RE: Letter of reference for expungement
Dear Judge LAST NAME:
This letter is a formal reference letter to request to have the court expunge the criminal record of Name of Person. I have known Name of Person since his birth as I attended college with his mother and was a Maid of Honor in her wedding.
He is requesting that a felony conviction for possession of cocaine twelve years ago be expunged from his record as it is negatively impacting all of his job applications because of criminal background checks.
He served a jail term of 18 months and has had no further problems with drugs or the law. He considers his conviction the result of youthful carelessness and has no intention of being in any way involved with illegal drugs in the future.
After he was released from prison, he attended community college and received a diploma in network administration. However, whenever he applies for a job, they refuse because he has a criminal record.
I have watched him these last 10 years improve his life and would like to help him get the second chance he deserves. If you have any questions, I can be reached at Phone Number or at Email Address.
Thank you in advance for considering my request.
Sincerely,
Signature of Writer
Printed Name of Writer
By Andre Bradley
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is a Letter of Reference for Expungement?
Answer: A Letter of Reference for Expungement is a document written by someone who knows an individual seeking to have their criminal record expunged. It serves as a recommendation or reference letter that supports the person's request for expungement. The purpose of the letter is to provide additional information about the individual's character, rehabilitation, and their potential to lead a law-abiding life. It is typically submitted to the court or relevant legal authority overseeing the expungement process.
Q: Who can write a Letter of Reference for Expungement?
Answer: A Letter of Reference for Expungement can be written by anyone who is familiar with the individual seeking expungement and can provide valuable insight into their character, behavior, and rehabilitation. This may include employers, teachers, mentors, community leaders, counselors, or even family members. It is important to choose someone who can speak positively about the individual's personal growth, efforts to reform, and their potential to reintegrate into society.
Q: What should be included in a Letter of Reference for Expungement?
Answer: A Letter of Reference for Expungement should include specific details and examples that highlight the individual's positive attributes and rehabilitation efforts. It should address the person's character, integrity, work ethic, community involvement, educational achievements, or any other relevant information.
The letter should also mention the writer's relationship to the individual and their qualifications to speak on their behalf. It is crucial to emphasize the person's commitment to personal growth, remorse for past actions, and their dedication to living a law-abiding life in the future.
Q: How should a Letter of Reference for Expungement be formatted and structured?
Answer: A Letter of Reference for Expungement should follow a professional and formal format. It should begin with a formal salutation addressing the court or relevant authority. The writer's name, contact information, and date should be included at the top of the letter. The body of the letter should be organized into paragraphs, each focusing on a specific aspect of the individual's character, rehabilitation, or achievements.
The letter should end with a closing statement reaffirming the writer's support for the individual's expungement and their willingness to answer any further questions if necessary. Finally, the letter should be signed by the writer, and their name should be printed below the signature.
Q: How can a Letter of Reference for Expungement strengthen an individual's case?
Answer: A well-written Letter of Reference for Expungement can significantly strengthen an individual's case for having their criminal record expunged. It provides the court or relevant authority with additional perspectives and insights into the individual's character, rehabilitation efforts, and future potential.
The letter demonstrates that the person has the support and endorsement of people who have witnessed their positive changes and believe in their ability to reintegrate into society as a law-abiding citizen. A persuasive and detailed letter can help the court understand the individual's growth, remorse, and commitment to a better future, increasing their chances of a successful expungement.
Q: Are there any specific guidelines or requirements for writing a Letter of Reference for Expungement?
Answer: While there are no universal guidelines or requirements for writing a Letter of Reference for Expungement, it is essential to follow any instructions provided by the court or relevant legal authority overseeing the expungement process. Additionally, the letter should be honest, concise, and focused on the individual's positive attributes, rehabilitation efforts, and potential for a law-abiding future.
It is crucial to avoid any exaggerations or false information, as this could undermine the person's credibility. Adhering to a professional tone and format while including specific examples and evidence can make the letter more effective in supporting the individual's case.
Related Articles