The letter should be addressed to the Judge, but mailed to the defendant's attorney. Who are you? ... Make it personal when describing the defendant's characteristics. Only talk about what you know. Be truthful. Never attack the victims or law enforcement. Never allow the defendant to write the letter for you.
Character Letter Template Dear Judge Name or Honorable Name, I am writing to you in my capacity as Your Relationship to the Person, to advocate for Name of the Person, whom I have known for Number of Years years. It is an honor to vouch for their character and integrity in my time knowing them.
Most courts will accept copies of electronically delivered letters, but be sure to check with the attorney first. Remember that judges read hundreds of letters. The easier you make it for the judge to read, the most likely the judge will be able to focus on the message you are trying to convey.
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.
If sufficiently well-written, even one letter could make an impression on a judge. If more than one, or many more than one, this will always make a favorable impression. It is not a guarantee of more favorable treatment at sentencing, but it sure won't hurt.
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.
Outside of the Supreme Court, always use “The Honorable (full name)” in your correspondence.
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.
For individuals writing character letters, the goal should be to first establish your credibility as a reference for the defendant. Next, the letter should describe the defendant, in order to help the judge better understand him or her beyond the offense committed.
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.