Introduce yourself to the Court. Explain how you know (and how long you have known) the defendant. Make it personal when describing the defendant's characteristics. Can you think of examples of good deeds done by the defendant (hard work, dedication to family/church/community, generosity, etc).
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)
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.
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.
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)
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.
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 the judge's name is "John Smith," then in references to him that would be read by others (e.g., the mailing address on a letter) you would refer to him "The Honorable John Smith" (or some might just use "Hon."). In directly communicating with him in writing, I would start with "Dear Judge Smith."
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.
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.