How to Write a Letter to the Judge
My boyfriend and I were recently ticketed in New York state for being in a park after hours. He lives in New York; I do not. The officer that issued the ticket gave us a court date and told us that this is a civil matter, not criminal. I called the court clerk today and asked her about what the procedure would be to possibly just take care of the issue by paying a fine, rather than having to go to court---being that it would be a lot of traveling for me to go back there for court. The clerk informed me that I would need to write a letter to the judge explaining the situation and he would write back with his decision--which she said would most likely be that I could just deal with the whole thing through the mail. I was wondering if anyone could give me an idea as to what to say in this type of letter. Should I plead guilty or not guilty? I really want to just take care of this in the easiest way possible...meaning, without having to go to court. I am willing to pay the fine. I just don't know how to write this type of letter and what to say in it. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you.
Re: How to Write a Letter to the Judge
Simply write a letter explaining your situation. Offer to pay a fine.
Do not plea not guilty. That will require a trial and adjudication. You don't have to plead guilty. Plea no contest.
The judge will take the letter as a motion and will issue an order. Chances are the judge will go along with anything reasonable.
Re: How to Write a Letter to the Judge
You were cited under what exact statute or ordinance?
The ticket has a mandatory court date?