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Make edits, fill in missing information, and update formatting in US Legal Forms—just like you would in MS Word.

Download a copy, print it, send it by email, or mail it via USPS—whatever works best for your next step.

Sign and collect signatures with our SignNow integration. Send to multiple recipients, set reminders, and more. Go Premium to unlock E-Sign.

If this form requires notarization, complete it online through a secure video call—no need to meet a notary in person or wait for an appointment.

We protect your documents and personal data by following strict security and privacy standards.
Writing Your Letter Search for a form letter. Some courts print off forms that you can use to request a hearing. Open a word processing document. Insert a salutation. Add a heading. Begin the letter with your request. Explain why you need the hearing. Provide a contact number. Sign the letter.
You'll want to start with a standard page size (8.5 x 11 inches) with 1-inch margins. Keep the font simple, such as Times New Roman, and avoid the use of color. Remember to break up text with headers and paragraphs for readability.
Follow the order of this format, leaving a space in between each section: Your Information (first thing that goes on the inside of the letter) Name. The Date. The Judge's Information. Honorable Judge First Name Last Name. What the Letter Is Going to Address. Salutation. Body. Signature.
In the salutation, always use the appropriate title (e.g., Judge/Justice/Chief Justice) followed by the judge's last name. Dear Judge Cote: Dear Justice Cotter: Senior, magistrate, and bankruptcy judges are addressed simply as “Judge” with no modifier. Close the letter with “Respectfully” instead of “Sincerely.”
Outside of the Supreme Court, always use “The Honorable (full name)” in your correspondence. STATE COURTS Note: States may vary on titles of judges. Check with court or various state court resources to determine proper address and salutation forms, particularly for Chief Judges/Chief Justices.
The case number typically appears in one of two formats, as shown in the following examples: CV 17-00010-PHX-DJH or cv00010 “CV” is the case type. Case types assigned by the Court include Civil (“cv”), Criminal (“cr”) and Miscellaneous (“mc”). The number 17 represents the year the case was filed.
Introduce yourself in the opening paragraph. Outline your relationship with the person who is the subject of the legal proceedings. Acknowledge the charges that have been brought against the person. State your opinion of the person's general character.
Format full mailing address of the sender. date on which letter is written. address of person to whom letter is addressed. subject line. salutation. body (the main message) complimentary closing. signature line (be sure to sign your letter)
I appreciate your thoughtfulness, respect, and fairness throughout my trial. I was convicted of shoplifting, and I plan to own up to my actions and make amends for my mistakes. While I can't go back in time and reverse what I did, you can rest assured that this will never happen again.
Tips for an Effective Character Letter To a Judge in California Understand the Purpose of a Character Letter. Use Specific Anecdotes Over General Praise. Address the Impact on the Defendant's Support Network. Maintain Respect For the Court. Respect the Judge's Time. Align Your Expectations with Reality.