Community Service

Community Service Work:

Performing community service work can be very important for a case.  Often Peters Law Firm, PLLC, will recommend that a client perform community service work before a hearing because it “mitigates” (or helps) the client’s case.  Courts also routinely order community service to be performed for certain types of offenses or convictions.  In either situation, there are specific rules regarding community service work which include: how it should be performed, where it should be performed, and what type of documentation the Court will accept as proof the work was completed.

Below, please see general information about community service work, as well as answers to frequently asked questions about the topic.  Please note: When you hire Peters Law Firm, PLLC, to represent you, you, we will provide you with more specific information that fits your particular needs and case, as well as detailed instructions and guidance regarding how to perform community service work that is admissible in Court.

Rules for Community Service Work:

• Must be performed for a non-profit organization (meaning any nationally recognized 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization). See list below for examples.
• Cannot be performed for a religious or political organization.
• Cannot be related to any charitable organizations or for-profit organizations where you presently are affiliated.

Examples of Acceptable Non-Profit Organizations:

• Goodwill –
  • Note: often has the greatest number of hours and locations available.
• American Red Cross
• Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA)
• Boys & Girls Club
• Food banks
• Salvation Army
• Humane Society
• Habitat for Humanity
• Local non-profit organizations specific to the Richmond, Virginia area:
  • Feed More
  • Evergreen Cemetery

Does community service work have to be performed for a single organization?

No.  You may perform the community service work for numerous organizations, so long as they all are acceptable organizations in the eyes of the Court.  Just make sure you have the appropriate documentation from each organization to prove the work was performed when you go to Court.  (See more about appropriate documentation below.)

Does the community service work have to be completed where the Court is located?

NO! You can complete the community service work where you live and reside.  Just make sure it is performed for acceptable organization and that you obtain the appropriate documentation for Court.  (See more about appropriate documentation below.)

Proof of Community Service Work – What will the Court require?

You will need to provide a letter to the Court that:

• Is written on the organization’s letterhead
• Is an original document (not a copy or fax)
• Contains a description of the work performed and the number of hours completed
• Contains the original signature of the person who wrote the letter

When you hire Peters Law Firm, PLLC, to represent you, an example of a community service letter that is admissible in Court will be provided to you.