This form is a sample letter in Word format covering the subject matter of the title of the form.
This form is a sample letter in Word format covering the subject matter of the title of the form.
How To Start Your Letter. Your letter should start with “Dear Judge (last name of the judge assigned to the case)” but you should mail, email or fax your letter to the defendant's attorney. You should not send your letter directly to the judge. It must be provided to the judge by the attorney.
Write professionally, but in your own voice — don't try to sound like a lawyer. Be specific. Don't ramble or repeat yourself, and don't include irrelevant information. Don't lie or make assumptions not supported by facts and evidence — include only information that you have personal knowledge of.
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.
If you want to tell the judge about your case or if you want to ask the judge to take cer tain action in your case, you should not call or write the judge directly. Instead, you should mail a written motion to the clerk of the judge's court or drop off that document in person at the clerk's office.
1. Use formal language: Address the judge as "Honorable Full Name". 2. Include proper titles: Use "Dear Judge Last Name" as the salutation.
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.
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.
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.
The letter should highlight positive traits, achievements, community involvement, and any efforts at rehabilitation or remorse. The goal is to persuade the judge to consider a more lenient sentence or to understand the individual's actions in a broader context.