This form is a sample letter in Word format covering the subject matter of the title of the form.
This form is a sample letter in Word format covering the subject matter of the title of the form.
I appreciate your thoughtfulness, respect, and fairness throughout my trial. I was convicted of shoplifting, and I plan to own up to my actions and make amends for my mistakes. While I can't go back in time and reverse what I did, you can rest assured that this will never happen again.
Follow this guide to write a compelling and respectful letter. Start With Proper Salutation. Introduce Yourself and Your Relationship With the Defendant. Discuss the Defendant's Character Positively. Include Specific Examples and Anecdotes. Conclude With a Summary of Your Recommendations.
Sentences in federal criminal cases – whether they are a result of a plea or a verdict – are set by the judge. Character letters, which are also known as “sentencing letters,” are written by the defendant's friends and family members in an effort to convince the judge to assess a lower sentence.
A character reference letter for court should be written by someone who knows you well, such as a family member, friend, employer, co-worker, or community leader. They should have a good reputation and be able to vouch for your character and behavior.
A letter can provide the judge with background information about your family member, their circumstances, and any extenuating circumstances that may have influenced their choice.
Close family members such as parents, siblings, and life partners cannot be character references because their views are considered too biased. Employers seek references from individuals who can provide an objective and unbiased assessment of your character and abilities.
Do Judges care about character letters? Yes they do. Such letters are particularly useful during sentencing when a Judge may be considering a more harsh or a less harsh sentence. Character letters are unlikely to be persuasive on the issue of guil...
The structure of a character letter should include an introduction stating your relationship with the defendant, body paragraphs detailing specific positive traits and examples, and a concluding statement reiterating your support. Ensure it's concise, respectful, and professionally formatted.
Follow this guide to write a compelling and respectful letter. Start With Proper Salutation. Introduce Yourself and Your Relationship With the Defendant. Discuss the Defendant's Character Positively. Include Specific Examples and Anecdotes. Conclude With a Summary of Your Recommendations.
Use the judge's proper name and title to address your letter, rather than using a generic salutation such as ``To Whom It May Concern.'' Generally, you should either address the judge as ``Dear Judge (Judge's Last Name),'' or ``Your Honor.'' Make sure you use the judge's correct title.