How to Write a Letter to a Prosecutor [Free Sample]

Key Takeaways (Quick Answers)

Step-by-Step: How to Write a Prosecutor Letter

1. Confirm you should be the one writing.

   • Victims/complainants: You may express your preferences (restitution, treatment, no-contact terms).

   • Witnesses/third parties: Stick to facts you personally observed or can document.

     

   • Defendants: If you have a lawyer, communicate through your attorney. If unrepresented, avoid admissions and keep it factual and brief.

2. ---

   Use a professional format.
   Include your full name, mailing address, phone, and email; the prosecutor’s full name, title, office address; Re: line with Defendant name, Case number, Court, Next court date (if known); and the Date.

3. Open with who you are and why you’re writing.
   Identify your role (victim, parent, employer, witness) and your relationship to the case. State your purpose in one sentence (e.g., to provide documents, correct the timeline, or express a preference for restitution).

4. Present verified facts in a clean structure.
   Use short paragraphs or numbered points. Tie each fact to a source (e.g., “See Attachment A: clinic letter dated Sept. 5”). Avoid speculative statements and emotional adjectives.

5. Make a lawful, concrete request.
   Examples: consider diversion with treatment, prioritize restitution, modify no-contact terms to allow third-party child exchanges, or consider dismissal if you can show clear exculpatory facts. Victims may request—but cannot command—outcomes.

6. Attach credible documentation.
   Attach only what you have lawful access to: employer letters, treatment enrollment, restitution receipts, screenshots of relevant texts, timeline charts, photos with dates, etc. Label each attachment clearly.

7. Close respectfully with logistics.
   Offer to answer questions, list preferred contact times, and request acknowledgment if a court date is imminent.

8. Proof and privacy check.
   Assume the defense and court may read your letter. Remove sensitive data you don’t need (SSN, full account numbers). Keep a copy.

Free Sample Letter to a Prosecutor

[Your Name]
[Street Address] • [City, State ZIP] • [Phone] • [Email]

[Prosecutor’s Name], Esq.
[Title], [County/City] State’s Attorney / District Attorney
[Office Address]

Date: [Month Day, Year]

Re: State v. [Defendant’s Full Name] — Case No. [########]; Court: [Name]; Next Date: [if known]

Dear [Mr./Ms./Mx.] [Last Name]:

I am writing as the [victim / employer / witness / community member] in the above-referenced case. My purpose is to provide clarifying facts and supporting documents and to share my preference regarding case resolution.

Background & Key Facts (numbered for clarity):

1. On [date], at approximately [time], I observed/experienced [concise fact].

2. The following records support this timeline: [medical visit on date; Attachment A], [employment verification; Attachment B].

3. Since the incident, [Defendant/Complainant] has [e.g., enrolled in counseling on date; see Attachment C], and there have been [no further incidents / documented compliance with release terms].

Request/Preference:
Given the circumstances and documentation, I respectfully ask your office to consider [diversion with counseling and restitution / prioritizing restitution in any plea / lifting the full no-contact order to permit third-party child exchanges / dismissal if appropriate based on Attachments A–C]. I understand your office must evaluate the public interest and safety, and I trust your judgment.

Attachments:

• Attachment A: [Document title + date]

• Attachment B: [Document title + date]

• Attachment C: [Document title + date]

Thank you for your attention. I am available at [phone/email] and can respond quickly due to the upcoming court date on [date]. Please let me know if you need anything further.

Respectfully,
[Signature (if mailing)]
[Your Printed Name]

What to Avoid (Common Mistakes)

• Do not threaten, bargain, or accuse the prosecutor of bias.

• Do not disclose protected or sealed materials.

• Defendants: do not admit new criminal conduct or facts that can be used against you; consult counsel first.

• Victims: Avoid promising you “won’t testify”—that decision is not solely yours.

• Over-sharing: Stick to what helps a charging or resolution decision.

Smart Supporting Materials to Include

• Treatment proof (intake letters, attendance logs, completion certificates)

• Employment/School letters (hours, stability, supervision)

• Restitution proof (receipts, payment plan)

• Safety plan (no-contact compliance, third-party exchanges)

• Verified timeline with dates and limited, relevant screenshots

Special Notes by Role

If you’re a victim/complainant:
You can share your preferences (restitution, counseling, no-contact boundaries) and safety concerns. Prosecutors must consider your input, but they represent the public interest; outcomes are not guaranteed.

If you’re a defendant (unrepresented):
You may contact the prosecutor, but it’s risky to do so. Keep it factual, avoid admissions, and consider at least a limited consultation with a defense attorney or legal aid clinic.

If you have a lawyer:
Do not contact the prosecutor directly. Communicate through your attorney to avoid harming your case or violating local rules.

(Citations will appear in Sources below.)

Persuasive Tips That Actually Move the Needle

• Be solution-oriented: propose realistic safeguards (treatment, check-ins, verified employment) rather than only asking for leniency.

• Evidence > adjectives: One enrollment letter or receipt is worth more than five emotional paragraphs.

• Respect deadlines: If court is within 7–10 days, put the date in the subject line and request prompt acknowledgment.

• Edit for skimmability: Use headings, bullets, and numbered facts.

Sources (no more than 10)

1. U.S. Department of Justice, Crime Victims’ Rights Act (18 U.S.C. § 3771)—victims’ rights to be heard and informed.

2. American Bar Association, Standards for the Prosecution Function—public interest and ethical considerations.

3. National District Attorneys Association, Policies & Best Practices—prosecutorial discretion and victim input.

4. Legal Aid & Public Defender resources on communicating with prosecutors and diversion options (varies by jurisdiction).

5. State court self-help portals (e.g., [Your State] Courts) on records and filings.

(Jurisdictions vary—consult your local court or attorney for specifics.)

Video Section (helpful explainers)

Disclaimer

This article provides general information for educational purposes and is not legal advice. Laws and procedures vary by jurisdiction. If you are a defendant or a party in a criminal case, consult a licensed attorney in your state before contacting the prosecutor or submitting any written statement.