'Mitigating Circumstances' letter

[lx993]

In the case of a postal guilty application, is there any particular format required for a mitigating circumstances letter?

Or would a normal letter addressed 'to the court' explaining additional information be acceptable?

Haven't written letters to magistrates courts before so I'm unsure as to the usual format.

cheeers in advance

[bobthebench]

If you can't be arsed coming to court, we usually can be arsed paying attention to your letter, unless things are really mitigating. Make the effort, go along.

[penelopepitstop]

My brother was reported a few years back for driving without due care and attention - caused a quite nasty accident but fortunately nobody seriously injured. He didnt attend court but I helped him draft a letter to the Court. Just set it out as a standard letter, admitting fault for the accident etc but politely pointing out a few 'errors' in the police statement of facts (there genuinely were some) - basically putting his side forward yet acknowledging responsibility.

The result? 3 points and a 60 quid fine - believe me it could have been a lot worse.

You are not under any obligation to attend Court in person and it disappoints me to see the view that some Magistrates might not be 'arsed' to read a letter that someone has probably spent more time and effort writing than the actual length of the Court hearing itself had they attended in person.

I hope these people dont sit in whichever Court your case is to be heard. I feel I have to question whether they should sit at all??

[roosevelt]

Tend to agree with penelopepitstop with regard to bobthebench's comments.