What can I do to reduce the weight the judge gives my criminal record?

As stated in the family court section on PG. 747, You can show the judge anything that indicates that giving you custody or visitation will be in the best interests of your child. You can show the judge things like: certificates earned during incarceration, letters to and from your child, letters of support from family and friends, documents that show attendance in self-help groups, proof of employment.[2407] However, if you have a conviction that automatically bans you from getting custody or visitation with your child, then mitigating evidence will not be considered. See PG. 726 for a list of convictions that will automatically bar you from getting custody or visitation.

  1. 2407

    Legal Services for Prisoners with Children, “Child Custody and Visitation Rights Manual For Recently Released Parents” (Nov. 2012), available at http://www.prisonerswithchildren.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/12/Recently-released-parents version-12.11.12.pdf ↑