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). 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. A character letter plays a dual role. During this time he has proven to be of fine and responsible character. In this post, I'll show you EXACTLY how to write a character letter for the court, more specifically, to a judge. Sample Format for a Character Letter. If you have been asked to write a character letter, this simple template may be a useful guide.