I am writing this letter on behalf of a family member mine who is presently before you on criminal charges and is due to be sentenced shortly. In this article, we will discuss how to write a formal letter to a judge, along with the proper format and a sample letter.These are the official forms for use in Family Court proceedings. Writing a character letter for a judge can be a daunting task. Here are nine essential tips for writing an effective sentencing letter. What parents and witnesses need to know about character reference letters to the court for child custody. Includes a downloadable sample and template. The docket number begins with a letter which tells the type of case filed. For example, a paternity case is given a docket number beginning with the letter "P". A character letter is designed to show support for a defendant in a criminal case.