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.
- Sign your name. Be Respectful: Use polite language and show respect for the judge and the court. Stay Honest: Share your true feelings, but avoid exaggeration or negative comments about others. Keep It Clear and Concise: Try to keep the letter to one page and focus on your main points.
Start the address on the envelope with "The Honorable (full name)." For example, on the envelope addressed to Judge John Matthew Pool, write "The Honorable John M. Pool." X Research source You will need to include a second line with the judge's title, so do not write the court address yet.
A good character letter can be incredibly helpful to a defendant's case. Writing such a letter can be a challenge, particularly for those who are inexperienced with the criminal justice system. Read on to learn more about how to write a top-notch letter of support.
The judge will read the letters of support before the sentencing hearing and will consider them in deciding the defendant's sentence. Some letters of support can be very effective in persuading a judge to give the defendant a shorter sentence. The person who will read the letters is the sentencing judge.
Begin with a formal salutation such as ``Dear Judge (Last Name),'' Clearly state the purpose of your email in the opening paragraph. Provide relevant details or information concisely and clearly. Close the email with a respectful closing such as ``Sincerely,'' followed by your full name and contact information.
Yes. Certain ex parte communications to a judge or court personnel are allowed by law. For example, if you are contesting a citation (commonly called a “ticket”) for a traffic infraction, the law allows you to submit a written explanation directly to the court.
What you say to them may hurt the defendant, even if you think it will help. If you want to send a letter to the judge, address it "Dear Judge (judge's last name)," but send it to the defendant's attorney. The attorney will review it and forward it to the judge if and when it is helpful.
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.
The Third District includes Salt Lake, Summit, and Tooele Counties.
Tip Three: Avoid Undermining the Case It is often tempting for a person writing a character letter to discuss how the defendant isn't really guilty, how this “isn't like him,” how the defendant only pleaded guilty to the crime to get a better sentence, or even how the jury got it wrong.