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). How should you start a leniency letter?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. Explain why you feel you deserve leniency. The goal of character reference letters is to tell the judge a story. To give the judge insight into a defendant as a person. At the end of a character letter, most writers make an "ask" of the court. I am writing this letter behalf of my dear friend Princewill Johnson. Mr. Princewill and I have been close friends over 10 years now. Compose a formal letter addressed to a judge wherein you respectfully appeal for leniency in a particular legal case.