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JayRod1024 · Jan 13, 2011, 09:43 PM

Just wanted to see if anyone had some good pointers on how I should write my letter to the judge.

I was busted back in 2006 for Domestic Violence (4th Degree) in the state of Washington. It was during a time I was young (and stupid). I was got out of the Navy on 13Oct2006, and happened to miss a court date scheduled for 06Nov2006. Since the release from the Navy in October that year, I had to come back to California because I had no money or place to stay. It is now 2011 and I just want to get this matter solved. I am currently in no financial position to fly back to Washington to resolve this matter, and the clerk advised me to write a letter explaining the circumstances. Since the arrest, I have had no arrests and have been pretty straight edged every since, well besides 2 speeding tickets. Someone help?

-Hoping for a miracle

adthern · Jan 14, 2011, 04:08 PM

What you said so far sounds pretty good, though I would brush up the spelling and grammar a bit. Maybe go into a little about your service and how that affected you (if it did). Also, add any help you may have gotten after the incident (therapy, counselling, AA, drug treatment, anger management, etc... ).

Explain a little more about your indegency and desperation at the time of the missed date. Also, express sincerely that you meant no disrespect to the court. Offer an alternative plan to the judge, i.e.: I live in CA and although it is a different jurisdiction I would voluntarily do community service here to make up for not appearing as directed (and follow through with that).

Fr_Chuck · Jan 14, 2011, 08:50 PM

The only issue I see is that
1 you missed a court date on the Domestic Violence charge, so that was never taken care of and you still have that court case to take care of.

2. you missed a court date and have a warrant to make you appear before the court.

While the judge may give you a break, he is going to want you to appear before him, So best I could see if that he will allow you to appear in court and/or turn yourself in and be released on bond till the court hearing.

Also while the judge may like you and want to be nice, he will need some written motions before him for him to rule and change anything