Legal Question in Criminal Law in California

Bad idea.

The judge cannot read your letter without turning it over to the District Attorney. If you're lucky, the judge will just return it to your lawyer, unread.

You might include information that could seriously hurt your case. Leave this kind of stuff up to your lawyer. If you're charged with a felony or misdemeanor and can't afford to hire your own attorney, the judge will appoint one from the Public Defender's office.

I agree with Mr. Marshall. I also write separately to point out that judges are not supposed to engage in ex parte communication (which your letter would qualify as) with the parties to a case that they are hearing. Most judges that I know return correspondence unopened to the party that sent it.

You 'can' do anything you like, but he can't and won't read it. All case proceedings must be done in open court. If this is a criminal case, get an attorney. If this is a civil case, other than small claims, get an attorney.

I agree with all of the answers submitted before mine. It is inappropriate for you to write the Judge. It will not be looked at. You should get an attorney close to the courthouse that you are dealing with.

BARRY BESSER

www.besserlaw.com