I am writing this letter on behalf of a former student of mine who is presently before you on criminal charges and is due to be sentenced shortly. Your Honor, I am writing you concerning my sentencing hearing.I understand that I have made a decision that will impact my entire life. Set up the letter exactly as the defendant would: your address, then the date two lines beneath that, then the judge's address two lines beneath the date. Dear judge (name), I am writing to ask for leniency in the sentencing of my husband, because (then give all your reasons and speak only from your heart). A character letter to a judge should establish your credibility, paint a full picture of the defendant and be respectful, among other things. A character letter is designed to show support for a defendant in a criminal case. These letters have the potential to influence the court. At sentencing phase, judges have some discretion, for good or bad, on the overall consequence of the case. This is where letters can be very powerful.