Determine What is “Relevant” to Your Case First, determine what is most important to you. Second, organize your declaration. Third, proofread & condense. Know what your audience is focused on. Tell the truth. Anticipate opposing party's response. Advocate for yourself. Use proof to validate your case.
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.
The salutation, or greeting, normally begins with "Dear." It is acceptable to begin your salutation with "Dear Mr./Madame District Attorney" or "Dear Mr./Ms. (surname)."
They should be addressed either to the Honorable FIRST NAME LAST NAME or Judge FIRST NAME LAST NAME.
Include any necessary details to support your request or statement. This may include dates caseMoreInclude any necessary details to support your request or statement. This may include dates case numbers or descriptions of documents 8. Close the letter thank the clerk for their time and assistance.
Elements: 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)
Please, do not send letters directly to the judge, prosecutor, or anyone else in the court system. Do not call or email those people. What you say to them may hurt the defendant, even if you think it will help.
Type the Name and Address of the Judge or Court Staff On the next line below the name, include the name of the court in which the judge presides, such as "San Francisco Superior Court" or "United States Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit." Directly under the name, include the judge's address, city, state and ZIP code.
Sample Format for a Character Letter First Paragraph: Explain who you are. Second Paragraph: Explain why you are writing the letter. Third Paragraph: Thank the court, and make your “ask.” State that you are available to confirm the facts in this letter as necessary.
They should be addressed either to the Honorable FIRST NAME LAST NAME or Judge FIRST NAME LAST NAME. Although you can put the case number on the letter, it is not necessary, as it will be submitted by the lawyer.