In every character letter, the writer must know how to format the letter and address the judge. Do not write “Honorable Judge” because that's redundant. Either “Judge” or “The Honorable” is acceptable. It's also acceptable to use “To Whom It May Concern.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
Not all courts will accept a letter. Instead, the court might grant a continuance over the phone, or the court could require that you have a representative appear before the judge in your place.
Drafting the Motion Check if the court has blank motion forms. Create your caption. Title your motion. Draft the introductory paragraph to the body of the motion. Request relief. Lay out the applicable facts. Make your legal argument. Insert a signature block.
Be sure to include the case name and case number on both the letter and the envelope. The salutation (opener) is either ``May it please the Court'' (preferred) or ``May it please Your Honour'' (``Your Honor'') -- this wording works for any jurisdiction in the world in a letter from a non-lawyer.