If I write a letter of remorse, can I receive leniency?

Looking at the sentencing guidelines being implemented by the Sentencing Commission, ‘sincere remorse’ is included as a mitigating factor among the general sentencing factors for most criminal offenses.

In addition, recovery of victim damage or significant deposit amounts are also included in the mitigating factors.

Of course, writing a letter of remorse does not mean leniency for all cases, but if you show consistent and sincere remorseful attitude, it may be considered as a mitigating factor in sentencing.

A letter of remorse should include attitudes of remorse, self-reproach, and regret, a pledge not to reoffend, and the contents of practices to avoid reoffending (completion of education and clinics, vehicle disposition, etc.).

It must be written as specifically and sincerely as possible to seek leniency such as sentence reduction from the strict standards of investigators and judges.

In addition to multiple handwritten letters of remorse, it is good to specify apology letters to family, sincere apology letters to the victim, and specific plans to contribute and engage in society if not detained later.

Examples of sentencing materials: letter of remorse, DUI eradication pledge, plea letters from acquaintances, completion certificates of DUI recurrence prevention education and abstinence clinics, medical certificates (when there are health issues), family relationship certificates (when supporting family)