When someone is facing sentencing in a federal court, a character letter can be a valuable tool in expressing support for the defendant. Writing a character letter can show the judge the defendant’s personality, values, and contributions to society. The following tips, examples, and frequently asked questions will help guide you in writing a sample character letter to a federal judge before sentencing.
Tips for Writing a Sample Character Letter to a Federal Judge Before Sentencing
If you are asked to write a character letter, consider the following tips:
- Use a professional tone and format
- State your relationship to the defendant and how long you have known them
- Be specific about the defendant’s positive qualities and how they have contributed to your life or the community
- Acknowledge the defendant’s mistake and show that you believe they can learn from it and become a better person
- Keep the letter concise and to the point
- Proofread the letter for spelling and grammar errors
- Sign the letter and include your contact information
Examples of Sample Character Letter to a Federal Judge Before Sentencing
Letter of Support for a Friend
Dear Judge [Last Name],
I am writing to express my support for my friend [Defendant’s Name]. I have known [Defendant’s Name] for [Number of Years] years, and during that time, they have become like family to me.
[Two paragraphs about the defendant’s good qualities and contributions to your life or community]
Sincerely,
[Your Name and Contact Information]
Letter of Support for an Employee
Dear Judge [Last Name],
I am writing to express my support for my employee [Defendant’s Name]. [He/She] has been employed at my company for [Number of Years] years, and during that time, [he/she] has been an integral part of our team.
[Two paragraphs about the defendant’s good qualities and contributions to your company or industry]
Thank you for your consideration,
[Your Name and Contact Information]
Letter of Support for a Family Member
Dear Judge [Last Name],
I am writing to express my support for my [Relationship] [Defendant’s Name]. [He/She] is an important member of our family, and we are all deeply committed to [his/her] well-being.
[Two paragraphs about the defendant’s good qualities and contributions to your family or community]
Respectfully submitted,
[Your Name and Contact Information]
Letter of Support for a Student
Dear Judge [Last Name],
I am writing to express my support for my former student [Defendant’s Name]. I had the privilege of teaching [him/her] in [Class/Subject] during [Semester/Year], and I can confidently say that [he/she] was one of the most dedicated and hardworking students I have ever had.
[Two paragraphs about the defendant’s good qualities and contributions to your classroom or school]
With gratitude,
[Your Name and Contact Information]
Letter of Support for a Volunteer
Dear Judge [Last Name],
I am writing to express my support for my fellow volunteer [Defendant’s Name]. [He/She] has been an integral part of our organization for [Number of Years] years, and during that time, [he/she] has made an enormous impact on our community.
[Two paragraphs about the defendant’s good qualities and contributions to your organization or cause]
Thank you for your consideration,
[Your Name and Contact Information]
Letter of Support for a Mentor
Dear Judge [Last Name],
I am writing to express my support for my mentor [Defendant’s Name]. [He/She] has been an important part of my life for [Number of Years] years, and [he/she] has helped me navigate many difficult situations.
[Two paragraphs about the defendant’s good qualities and contributions to your personal or professional development]
Respectfully submitted,
[Your Name and Contact Information]
Letter of Support for a Community Leader
Dear Judge [Last Name],
I am writing to express my support for my community leader [Defendant’s Name]. [He/She] has been an advocate for our neighborhood for [Number of Years] years, and [his/her] leadership and dedication have made a significant impact on our community.
[Two paragraphs about the defendant’s good qualities and contributions to your neighborhood or city]
Thank you for your time and attention,
[Your Name and Contact Information]
Frequently Asked Questions about Sample Character Letters to a Federal Judge Before Sentencing
How do I address the letter to the judge?
You should address the letter to “The Honorable [Judge’s Last Name].” If you do not know the judge’s name, you can address the letter to “Dear Judge.”
Can I include personal information about the defendant?
Yes, you can include personal information about the defendant, but it should be relevant to their character and contributions to society. Avoid discussing the details of the case or the defendant’s legal troubles.
Should I mention that I know the defendant has been charged with a crime?
Yes, it is important to acknowledge the defendant’s legal situation and express your understanding of the gravity of the charges. However, you should focus on the defendant’s positive qualities and potential for rehabilitation.
How many character letters should I include in my submission?
There is no set number of character letters that should be included in a submission. However, it is generally recommended to include 2-3 letters from people who know the defendant well and can speak to their character and contributions to society.
Can I submit the letter electronically?
It is important to follow the court’s specific guidelines for submitting a character letter. Some courts may allow electronic submissions, while others may require physical copies to be mailed or hand-delivered.
Will the judge read my letter?
It is up to the judge’s discretion whether or not to read character letters. However, submitting a well-written and thoughtful letter can help the defendant’s case and show the judge that they have a supportive community.
Conclusion
Writing a sample character letter to a federal judge before sentencing can be a meaningful way to support a defendant and show their positive qualities. By keeping your letter concise, specific, and professional, you can help the judge make an informed decision based on the defendant’s character and potential for rehabilitation.