Personal Statement

Instructions for writing your personal statement:

Please follow these instructions when writing your personal statement. Answer all the questions below in your letter. Please write at least 3-5 sentences in each paragraph.

1. Introduction:
   • Write the date.
   • Start the letter with To Whom It May Concern,
2. First Paragraph (write 3-5 sentences):
   • Introduce yourself to the judge.
   • What has been going on in your life recently?
3. Second Paragraph (write 3-5 sentences):
   • How is your life different now, since your last conviction?
4. Third Paragraph (write 3-5 sentences):
   • What jobs, programs, activities, or community service have you been involved in?
   • What did you do in those programs?
5. Fourth Paragraph (write 3-5 sentences):
   • What goals are you working on achieving in your life right now?
   • How are you working on achieving your goals?
6. Fifth Paragraph (write 3-5 sentences):
   • Why do you want to clear your record?
   • How will clearing your record change your life or help you?
7. Closing:
   • Write Sincerely,
   • Print your full name.

Where to send your personal statement:

Please send your personal statement to the organization who requested them from you. You can find their contact information by visiting the partner pages below.

• Contra Costa Public Defender
• Fresno County Public Defender
• Marin County Public Defender
• San Diego County Public Defender
• San Francisco Public Defender
• Santa Barbara County Public Defender
• Santa Clara County Public Defender
• Santa Cruz County Public Defender
• Solano County Public Defender
• Sonoma County Public Defender
• Stanislaus County Public Defender
• Ventura County Public Defender
• Yolo County Public Defender

Your case is on hold until your attorney has received your personal statement.