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. I am writing this letter behalf of my dear friend Princewill Johnson.Mr. Princewill and I have been close friends over 10 years now. 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). Explain why you feel you deserve leniency. Sample Format for a Character Letter. If you have been asked to write a character letter, this simple template may be a useful guide. A character letter to a judge should establish your credibility, paint a full picture of the defendant and be respectful, among other things. It's a letter to the judge asking for leniency and praying to go easy on the defendant.