[Sample] Letter of Explanation for Misdemeanor Charges

The best way to get past this employment barrier may be to have the chance to discuss your criminal history with a potential employer.

Many employers will request that you write a letter outlining your situation so they can accurately portray your background in light of potential employment.

A letter is the best format for an explanation. In this manner, you have the chance to carefully select your words, and your justification becomes a part of your application materials.

Even though you might not want your story to be heard by everyone who reads your application, if it is an engaging one, it just might help you land the job you want.

How to write an explanation letter sample for misdemeanor charges?

Here are some guidelines for writing an explanation letter:

Be succinct in your description. There should be three paragraphs or less in your entire letter. Start by briefly explaining how you got into trouble in the first place. Don't go into too much detail; just enough for the employer to understand the nature of your infraction. You run the risk of sounding self-righteous or even glorifying what happened if you talk endlessly about the incident.

Don't try to justify what you did. Explain why you were not a part of the incident but were still detained, but avoid going into detail about what other people did wrong. It won't help your case if you accuse the arresting officer of being unprofessional or the court staff of being rude to you. Accepting responsibility for a mistake you made is much more honorable than trying to place the blame on someone else.

Describe the steps you have taken to improve your conduct following the event. This is the moment to discuss any anger management classes you may have taken, alcohol abuse treatment you may have received, or debt reduction programs you may have finished. There's no need to go into great depth either. Just make a note of the steps you took to learn from your error.

Give examples of how your life has changed after your arrest. Even though your involvement with the criminal justice system was unfavorable, you are now a different person as a result of it and everything you did to assist yourself. Give instances of your present conduct that show you would never get into problems again, such as showing compassion for others, taking care of yourself, and being responsible.

Describe why the company would benefit from employing you. Make sure to emphasize how getting and doing well in this job is a significant step in your future. Describe the advantages to the company of having someone with your goals and drive to succeed.

Before putting anything in writing, seek legal advice. "Anything a person submits in writing about their criminal history could potentially be leaked and become public knowledge," says Mark Morales, founder, and owner of Mark Morales & Associates. "Therefore, it is advised to seek legal advice before submitting any letter explaining the criminal background to a potential employer." With their legal expertise and case-specific experience, your Texas criminal defense attorney can provide you with the best advice.

Criminal Record sample Letter of Explanation for Misdemeanor Charges

[Date]

Dear Sir or Madam,

I place a high priority on directness, honesty, and integrity. You will discover that I was found guilty of the crime of Armed Robbery - Use of Force in October 2006 as a result of the criminal history check.

For my offense, I was incarcerated for 24 months. I regrettably relapsed into bad influences and the same circle of harmful relationships after being released in 2017, which led to my 2018 offense. Armed robbery as a Party to a Crime was the accusation once again. I am aware of how awful what I did was. I made a bad choice that led to it, which harmed a lot of people. I've learned a valuable lesson and won't make the same errors again.

I finished my HSED via the Warren Young School while I was jailed. I too started working on ME after a time of thorough self-examination. My coursework for the Walking the Line: Vow to Succeed Program, Cognitive Intervention Phases I and II, and Re-Entry Bridge to Success programs were successfully completed. I subsequently went on to further my study and became certified as a Network Cabling Specialist in Copper-Based Systems in the field of Telecommunications Technologies.

Since my release, I have volunteered at my 11-year-old son's school and worked part-time as a worker at a tannery. I do, however, look forward to returning to my full-time job as an installer in the telecommunications industry so I can further demonstrate the changes in my life and be a contributing member of society.

I can see why you might be wary of employing someone with my background. However, I am qualified for The Fidelity Bonding Program, which can protect you from any dishonest behavior on my part for up to $25,000. Additionally, if you hire me, you'll qualify for Work Opportunity Tax Credits, which could result in a $9,000 savings for you this year. During our interview, I'll be happy to give you more details about those programs.

Finally, I can provide a letter of recommendation from the State of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development upon request. I recently graduated with honors from the Pipeline to Employment Training Program for Former Offenders.

Because I am confident that my abilities and experiences will be a match for your company's requirements, I am eager to pursue this and other opportunities with your organization.

I appreciate your consideration and time.

Sincerely,

[Name]

How to Describe Criminal Background?

The best way to find employment despite having a misdemeanor is to be upfront about your criminal record. Mentioning your background early in the application process is a smart idea.

Even though you may be tempted to keep your history a secret and only address it if it comes up, it's best to bring it up on your own.

Even while you should avoid dwelling on the specifics of your criminal history, mentioning it upfront, before you are questioned about it, demonstrates accountability. Put it in the context of other, more advantageous qualities when you bring it up.

You don't want your criminal background to exclude you from consideration for jobs. Give specifics from your professional past that demonstrate your aptitude and diligence.

Give a few details about your criminal history without going into great detail. There is also no need to wait for a response after it has been sent. Simply go on to discuss more uplifting elements of your previous and professional experience.

If the interviewer has any questions, be prepared to respond. You do not want to come across as defensive in a job interview. A defensive stance will make people question your credentials.

If you are questioned specifically about your criminal history, be honest but succinct in your responses. Try to refrain from revealing any details beyond what the interviewer has asked.

Accept responsibility for your past; never offer an explanation in excess. No matter how minor the behavior seems to you, you do not want to come across as defending it.

Always include some positive details about the abilities and traits you offer to the position after your responses. Avoid ending the discussion by mentioning your criminal background.

Show how you were able to turn things around and learn some valuable lessons from a challenging circumstance.

Before the actual job interview, you may wish to practice discussing your criminal background.

A stressful situation like an interview can cause people to ramble or talk excessively. Make a decision regarding what you will say about your criminal history and practice it. This will ensure that even under pressure, you remain succinct and direct.

Even if you have a criminal history, Texas Criminal Defense Attorneys can be your best ally in negotiating a job interview.

It wouldn't be a bad idea to discuss your particular situation and the data a potential employer can legally obtain with a Texas criminal defense lawyer.

If you have ever been arrested, get in touch with the knowledgeable defense lawyers at Mark Morales & Associates to find out if you need to tell potential employers about your arrest history. For more information, get in touch with us online or over the phone.

This post does not constitute legal advice and is only intended to provide general information. Please consult a lawyer if you need assistance with a specific matter.

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[Sample] Letter of Explanation for Misdemeanor Charges