I request and plead for leniency in the sentencing of my son, John, and ask that you sentence him to a drug program in lieu of jail time. The goal of character reference letters is to tell the judge a story.To give the judge insight into a defendant as a person. Dear Judge Doe: 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. A character letter to a judge should establish your credibility, paint a full picture of the defendant and be respectful, among other things. Use the judge's title properly, but only once in the salutation. A Good Character Reference Letter for your Drug Case can significantly improve your court result to avoid a criminal record, and in cases, avoid prison. This packet has do-it-yourself forms and instructions to ask the court to vacate your drug possession conviction and refund LFO payments.