Include specific examples of how the person has helped you or someone else, or how he or she has been a leader or an inspiration. Writing a character letter for a judge can be a daunting task.Here are nine essential tips for writing an effective sentencing letter. Introduce yourself in the opening paragraph. How To Start Your Letter. Learn how character letters can help you get charges dismissed or reduced, get a more lenient sentence, or get treatment instead of jail. Use specific examples of when you observed the defendant's good character. Describe a time you saw the defendant go out of his way to help someone in need. The letters are best when they come from the heart, but here are some suggestions of topics that you may want to address. The first paragraph should tell the judge who you are writing to him about and how you know the defendant.