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.
Contact Chambers Law Firm at 714-760-4088 for support from a criminal defense attorney. Start with a Clear Introduction. Introduce Yourself and Establish Credibility. Provide Reasons for Leniency. Tell a Story or Give Specific Examples. Provide Your Contact Information. Not the Same as a Motion to Modify a Sentence.
Tips for an Effective Character Letter To a Judge in California Understand the Purpose of a Character Letter. Use Specific Anecdotes Over General Praise. Address the Impact on the Defendant's Support Network. Maintain Respect For the Court. Respect the Judge's Time. Align Your Expectations with Reality.
You Honor, I am writing you this letter to ask for leniency in the sentencing of my husband and that your sentence be merciful and not punitive. My husband has always obtained to working hard for our family and giving us the best support possible. My son and I love my husband very much.
1. Use formal language: Address the judge as "Honorable Full Name". 2. Include proper titles: Use "Dear Judge Last Name" as the salutation.
Sample Format for a Character Letter First Paragraph: Explain who you are. Second Paragraph: Explain why you are writing the letter. Third Paragraph: Thank the court, and make your “ask.” State that you are available to confirm the facts in this letter as necessary.
Character letters can be effective in some criminal cases. A family member, friend, employer, or other party writes a letter to the judge to help mitigate sentencing.
In federal criminal cases, letters of support are letters written to the judge who will decide the defendant's sentence. They are addressed to the judge, and they ask the judge for leniency in sentencing the defendant.
Not all courts will accept a letter. Instead, the court might grant a continuance over the phone, or the court could require that you have a representative appear before the judge in your place.
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. These are a mainstay of federal criminal cases.
An effective character reference letter has as its main goal to help the judge understand the defendant as an individual, outside of the criminal conviction. It is important that the character witness express how he or she knows the defendant and for how long.