LETTER HEAD

DATE:
TO:         CLIENT NAME
FROM:   ATTORNEY NAME
RE:         PLEA OFFER

Dear __________________,
	You asked that I get a plea offer in your case because you did not want to go to trial.  The following offer has been made:
	INSERT OFFER HERE
(GIVE YOUR OPINION AS TO THE OFFER COMPARED TO TRIAL OR OPEN PLEA TO THE COURT)
	There are a couple of things I would like to point out to you regarding this offer.  [ IF THE PLEA INCLUDES DEFERRED ADJUDICATION, INSERT THE FOLLOWING:  Deferred adjudication is a form of disposing of your case so that when you complete the probationary period you will not have a CONVICTION on your record.  Your arrest record will show that you were arrested and that the case was dismissed.  Deferred adjudication is different from straight probation in two ways.  In straight probation you are convicted of the offense and should you not successfully complete the probation period the judge can sentence you to the amount of time you originally received. In  your case that would be [INSERT TIME PERIOD HERE].  With deferred adjudication,  the judge will have as a punishment option [INSERT THE PUNISHMENT RANGE HERE] should you not successfully complete the deferred probationary period.  There is an obvious trade off - if you successfully complete the deferred probation your arrest record will not show a final conviction, but if you “mess up” then the judge has the option of sentencing you to the maximum time with no other recourse available to you.
	There are some things you should know about probation (deferred or straight).  The first rule is not to commit any more illegal acts.  The second rule, and just as important, is to ALWAYS report to your probation officer as scheduled.  Should your probation officer inform you that failure to pay your fines or cost means that you are going to jail, Texas law states that you cannot be sent to prison if you are unable to pay fines and costs.  Note, however, that unable to pay means that you have been out looking for work and you can prove it, but you have not yet been hired.  If you must make a choice between feeding your family or paying your costs, feed your family.  If the choice you have is buying new clothes or paying your costs, pay your costs.  You will most likely be sent to prison or jail if you do not report to your probation officer as you are supposed to.
	Should you decide to accept this offer, the judge requires you to have [GIVE JUDGE’S REQUIREMENT (S) HERE] on the day of plea.  If you have a problem with this let me know as soon as possible.  I must give the prosecutor your answer on whether you are going to accept this offer by [GIVE DEADLINE DATE].  If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact me.

[SPECIAL CASES need to insert whether Sex Offender Registration will be required.  Whether suspension of driver’s license is required.  Whether counseling is required.  Etc.]

Sincerely,

_____________________________