Writing an Impressive Expungement Letter (with Sample)
Use this sample expungement letter as a template for your formal expungement letter.
Last updated on March 16th, 2023
An expungement letter is one way for consumers to seal or remove unwanted items from their criminal records. There may be a criminal arrest on their record that is inhibiting their loan applications, rental agreements or job applications.
If the person was arrested but not charged with any crime, they have the option of requesting that identifying parts of their record of arrest be returned and the arrest record sealed.
This needs to be done through an expungement letter that is sent to the police department, county sheriff, city attorney and the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA).
Requirements for this Type of Expungement
In order to receive this kind of expungement, the applicant must not have a felony conviction or a gross misdemeanor on their record within the past 10 years.
Other rules are that all charges were dismissed before determining probable cause, or the prosecution did not file any charges and a grand jury did not return the indictment. The applicant must also not have participated in a diversion program after the arrest.
If the above conditions are met, the person may be allowed to write letters to the bureaus and agencies that hold records. This type of expungement does not require a hearing and a petition. If the person had charges filed and dismissed for a lack of probable cause, a different petition must be completed to seal their court records.
If the person was arrested but not charged with any crime, they have the option of requesting that identifying parts of their record of arrest be returned and the arrest record sealed.
This needs to be done through an expungement letter that is sent to the police department, county sheriff, city attorney and the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA).
Requirements for this Type of Expungement
In order to receive this kind of expungement, the applicant must not have a felony conviction or a gross misdemeanor on their record within the past 10 years.
Other rules are that all charges were dismissed before determining probable cause, or the prosecution did not file any charges and a grand jury did not return the indictment. The applicant must also not have participated in a diversion program after the arrest.
If the above conditions are met, the person may be allowed to write letters to the bureaus and agencies that hold records. This type of expungement does not require a hearing and a petition. If the person had charges filed and dismissed for a lack of probable cause, a different petition must be completed to seal their court records.
Interesting Finds
Expungement Letters are Different from Expungement Forms
Expungement letters are different from expungement forms that require detailed information. The letter should be written in formal business style and must show that the person in question is a responsible member of society and has been for many years. This is why they are usually written five to 10 years after an arrest.
The letters are addressed to a district attorney, a judge and the signing probation office of the final disposition of the applicant’s case.
The letter must state the case and explain the changes that the person made in their life to correct their actions. Examples of life changes are helping others and not getting arrested again.
No Complaints of Recriminations Against the Police!
The tone of the letter should be polite and professional. There should be no complaints or recriminations against the police about the arrest because no charges were filed. The aim of this letter is to get the arrest removed from the applicant’s record and not to criticize the legal system.
It may be useful to include a letter of support from a respectable person in society who can vouch for the applicant’s arrest-free life.
If the applicant participated in any social or volunteer work, it should be mentioned, and a letter of support from someone else in that work that demonstrates the applicant’s desire to live a crime-free life may help.
If it is possible, the applicant should get a copy of their criminal record. This will have information such as the case number, which may make it easier for the officials who will receive the request.
Here is a sample expungement letter to be sent to a judge. The same letter also needs to be sent to the other agencies mentioned above.
Copies of each letter should be kept. The letters should be sent by certified mail, so the sender has proof of the time and date the letter was sent and received.
The tone of the letter should be polite and professional. There should be no complaints or recriminations against the police about the arrest because no charges were filed. The aim of this letter is to get the arrest removed from the applicant’s record and not to criticize the legal system.
It may be useful to include a letter of support from a respectable person in society who can vouch for the applicant’s arrest-free life.
If the applicant participated in any social or volunteer work, it should be mentioned, and a letter of support from someone else in that work that demonstrates the applicant’s desire to live a crime-free life may help.
If it is possible, the applicant should get a copy of their criminal record. This will have information such as the case number, which may make it easier for the officials who will receive the request.
Here is a sample expungement letter to be sent to a judge. The same letter also needs to be sent to the other agencies mentioned above.
Copies of each letter should be kept. The letters should be sent by certified mail, so the sender has proof of the time and date the letter was sent and received.
Sample Expungement Letter
Applicant’s Name
Applicant’s Address
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
Judge’s Name
Name of Court Jurisdiction
Court Address
City, State, Zip Code
RE: Expungement for Name of Applicant
Dear Name of Judge:
This letter is a formal request to have an arrest removed from my record. Enclosed is a copy of my record and the case number is NUMBER. I was arrested for shoplifting on DATE 10 years earlier when I was 17 years old.
I was arrested because I was with three other people who were caught with goods on their person. I had not shoplifted anything and was not charged. However, the arrest is on my record and I would like to have it removed.
I graduated from college on DATE and have been working as a teller in Name of Bank for three years. I have received commendations from my supervisors and hope to advance in the banking business.
I have not participated in any criminal activity since the shoplifting occurrence. I was so frightened at that time that I realized my friends were leading me along a dangerous path.
In order to further my career, buy a home and get a car loan, it would be good to have that arrest off my record when lenders and employers do a background check on me.
Thank you for your kind consideration in this matter. I can be reached at 555-123-4567 or at [email protected] if you have any questions or would like to contact me.
Sincerely,
Signature of Applicant
Printed Name of Applicant
Applicant’s Name
Applicant’s Address
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
Judge’s Name
Name of Court Jurisdiction
Court Address
City, State, Zip Code
RE: Expungement for Name of Applicant
Dear Name of Judge:
This letter is a formal request to have an arrest removed from my record. Enclosed is a copy of my record and the case number is NUMBER. I was arrested for shoplifting on DATE 10 years earlier when I was 17 years old.
I was arrested because I was with three other people who were caught with goods on their person. I had not shoplifted anything and was not charged. However, the arrest is on my record and I would like to have it removed.
I graduated from college on DATE and have been working as a teller in Name of Bank for three years. I have received commendations from my supervisors and hope to advance in the banking business.
I have not participated in any criminal activity since the shoplifting occurrence. I was so frightened at that time that I realized my friends were leading me along a dangerous path.
In order to further my career, buy a home and get a car loan, it would be good to have that arrest off my record when lenders and employers do a background check on me.
Thank you for your kind consideration in this matter. I can be reached at 555-123-4567 or at [email protected] if you have any questions or would like to contact me.
Sincerely,
Signature of Applicant
Printed Name of Applicant
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q. What is an expungement letter?
A. An expungement letter is a legal document that requests the court to remove or seal certain criminal records from public access. The letter usually includes a detailed explanation of the petitioner's circumstances, the reason for seeking an expungement, and the supporting evidence or documentation.
Q. Why would someone need an expungement letter?
A. Someone may need an expungement letter to clear their criminal record, which can affect their ability to secure employment, housing, or other opportunities. Having a criminal record can also lead to social stigmatization, discrimination, and barriers to personal growth and development.
Q. How do you write an expungement letter?
A. When writing an expungement letter, you should include your full name, date of birth, the case number, and the date of your conviction. Explain why you are seeking an expungement, such as for employment or educational purposes. Provide evidence of your rehabilitation, such as community service, counseling, or drug treatment. You may also want to include any letters of recommendation, certificates of completion, or other relevant documentation.
Q. Who should receive the expungement letter?
A. The expungement letter should be addressed to the court where the conviction occurred, and copies should be sent to the prosecutor, the probation officer, and any other relevant parties involved in the case.
Q. What happens after you submit an expungement letter?
A. After you submit an expungement letter, the court will review your case and determine whether you are eligible for expungement. If the court approves your request, the criminal record will be removed or sealed from public access. However, the exact process and requirements for expungement vary depending on the state and jurisdiction.
Q. How long does it take to get an expungement?
A. The length of time it takes to get an expungement can vary depending on the court's caseload, the complexity of your case, and the state's laws and procedures. Some expungements can be processed in a few weeks, while others may take several months or longer.
Q. Can I apply for an expungement on my own?
A. Yes, you can apply for an expungement on your own, but it's recommended to consult with an attorney who specializes in criminal law and expungements to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements and submit a strong and compelling case. An attorney can also guide you through the legal process and help you prepare the necessary documents and evidence.
A. An expungement letter is a legal document that requests the court to remove or seal certain criminal records from public access. The letter usually includes a detailed explanation of the petitioner's circumstances, the reason for seeking an expungement, and the supporting evidence or documentation.
Q. Why would someone need an expungement letter?
A. Someone may need an expungement letter to clear their criminal record, which can affect their ability to secure employment, housing, or other opportunities. Having a criminal record can also lead to social stigmatization, discrimination, and barriers to personal growth and development.
Q. How do you write an expungement letter?
A. When writing an expungement letter, you should include your full name, date of birth, the case number, and the date of your conviction. Explain why you are seeking an expungement, such as for employment or educational purposes. Provide evidence of your rehabilitation, such as community service, counseling, or drug treatment. You may also want to include any letters of recommendation, certificates of completion, or other relevant documentation.
Q. Who should receive the expungement letter?
A. The expungement letter should be addressed to the court where the conviction occurred, and copies should be sent to the prosecutor, the probation officer, and any other relevant parties involved in the case.
Q. What happens after you submit an expungement letter?
A. After you submit an expungement letter, the court will review your case and determine whether you are eligible for expungement. If the court approves your request, the criminal record will be removed or sealed from public access. However, the exact process and requirements for expungement vary depending on the state and jurisdiction.
Q. How long does it take to get an expungement?
A. The length of time it takes to get an expungement can vary depending on the court's caseload, the complexity of your case, and the state's laws and procedures. Some expungements can be processed in a few weeks, while others may take several months or longer.
Q. Can I apply for an expungement on my own?
A. Yes, you can apply for an expungement on your own, but it's recommended to consult with an attorney who specializes in criminal law and expungements to ensure that you meet the eligibility requirements and submit a strong and compelling case. An attorney can also guide you through the legal process and help you prepare the necessary documents and evidence.