How to Write a Hardship Letter – The Ultimate Guide

Most courts will accept copies of electronically delivered letters, but be sure to check with the attorney first. Remember that judges read hundreds of letters. The easier you make it for the judge to read, the most likely the judge will be able to focus on the message you are trying to convey.

Type the salutation for the letter, such as “Dear Judge Jones,” followed by a colon after the judge’s last name. Type one or two sentences, telling the judge why you are writing, explaining that you are asking for leniency.

1. Hardship Examples. There are a variety of situations that may qualify as a hardship.
2. Keep it original.
3. Be honest.
4. Keep it concise.
5. Don’t cast blame or shirk responsibility.
6. Don’t use jargon or fancy words.
7. Keep your objectives in mind.
8. Provide the creditor an action plan.

leniencynoun. The quality of mercy or forgiveness, especially in the assignment of punishment as in a court case. The convicted felon asked for leniency, but because the crime was so heinous the judge refused and gave the maximum sentence. leniencynoun. An act of being lenient.

You can pay the fine, which is similar to pleading guilty. You can plead guilty with an explanation or plead nolo contendere, which are useful only in certain situations. This involves entering your plea in court before a judge.

Use the judge’s correct title, with the words “Your Honorable” in the letter’s heading, and use either “Dear Judge (last name) or “Your Honor” as the opening greeting. Keep the letter under three pages long. In the first paragraph, introduce yourself and give your son’s name.

Dear [Name of Judge]: This letter is a formal request to appeal a speeding ticket I received on [DATE]. My name and address are above and the ticket number is [NUMBER]. The license plate of my car is [NUMBER].