Cover Letter
Brief statement identifying the case, purpose of the packet, counsel contact information, and any requested court action or scheduling details.
A clear, complete packet reduces processing delays, documents the defendant’s informed choice, and supports accurate court records. Properly formatted packets improve reviewability by prosecutors and judges and reduce the risk of later disputes over consent or procedural defects. Electronic completion and auditable signatures can streamline receipt and retention while aligning with ESIGN and UETA where permitted.
Ensure each participant meets local authentication and notarization rules before submission.
Brief statement identifying the case, purpose of the packet, counsel contact information, and any requested court action or scheduling details.
Standardized form capturing plea selection, factual basis, defendant advisements, and signature lines for defendant and counsel.
Signed waivers of rights (e.g., jury trial, speedy trial) or consents to recommendations, each clearly labeled and dated.
Any agreed sentencing recommendation, restitution calculations, or guideline worksheets required by the court as an exhibit to the plea.
Victim impact statements, probation reports, or exhibits supporting mitigation or factual basis for the plea.
Fields for defendant, counsel, prosecutor, and notary/witness information with date and location for each signature.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Signer Order | Sequential signing to preserve role-based approvals |
| Authentication | Email link, SMS code, or stronger KBA as required |
| Conditional Fields | Show/hide waivers based on plea selection |
| Retention | Automated archival per policy |
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Envelope Cap | No envelope cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |