If you or someone you know is facing sentencing, a character letter can be a powerful tool in presenting a positive image to the judge. In this article, we’ll discuss tips for writing an effective character letter for sentencing, provide examples to give you an idea of what to include, and answer some frequently asked questions about this process.
Tips for Writing a Character Letter for Sentencing
When writing a character letter for sentencing, there are a few important things to keep in mind:
1. Be honest.
Don’t exaggerate or make false claims about the defendant’s character or behavior. Stick to the truth, and if you don’t have personal knowledge of something, don’t include it in your letter.
2. Be specific.
Giving concrete examples of the defendant’s good qualities or actions can be much more effective than generalizations. For example, instead of saying “the defendant is a kind person,” you might write “I’ve seen the defendant volunteer at the local homeless shelter every Saturday for the past two years.”
3. Be concise.
The judge will likely be reading many letters, so keep your letter brief and to the point. Aim for one to two pages at most.
4. Use a professional tone.
Your letter should be respectful and formal in tone, even if you know the defendant personally. Avoid slang, jokes, or other casual language.
5. Offer to be contacted.
If the judge has any questions or wants to verify any information in your letter, offer to make yourself available by phone or email.
Examples of Character Letters for Sentencing
Letter from Employer
Dear Judge Smith,
I am writing to express my support for John Doe, who has worked as a sales associate at my company for the past three years. During that time, John has demonstrated exceptional skills in customer service, communication, and teamwork.
He consistently goes above and beyond to meet his sales quotas and has received numerous commendations from customers for his professionalism and helpfulness. In addition, he has volunteered at several company-sponsored charity events and always shows a positive attitude and willingness to help others.
John is a valuable employee and a good person, and I believe that he has learned from his mistake and is committed to making better choices in the future. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Jane Smith
CEO, Smith Enterprises
Letter from Friend
Dear Judge Smith,
I am writing to express my support for my friend, Mary Jones, who is facing sentencing for a non-violent crime. Mary and I have been friends for over ten years, and I have always known her to be a kind, honest, and hardworking person.
She has been a devoted mother to her two children, and has also volunteered at their school and at our local community center. She has faced some challenges in her life, but I have seen her overcome them with grace and determination.
I believe that Mary made a mistake and has taken responsibility for her actions. I know that she is committed to making things right and to being a positive influence on her children and our community. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Tom Johnson
Letter from Family Member
Dear Judge Smith,
I am writing to express my support for my sister, Sarah Smith, who is facing sentencing for a drug-related offense. Sarah has struggled with addiction for several years, and I know firsthand how difficult it can be to overcome this disease.
However, I have also seen Sarah make progress in her recovery. She has completed a treatment program and has been attending regular support group meetings. She has also been working hard to rebuild relationships with our family and to be a positive role model for her children.
I believe that Sarah is on the right path and that a sentence that allows her to continue her treatment and recovery would be the best outcome for all involved. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Emily Davis
Letter from Teacher
Dear Judge Smith,
I am writing to express my support for my former student, Juan Hernandez, who is facing sentencing for a non-violent offense. I had the pleasure of teaching Juan in my math class for two years, and during that time I came to know him as a hardworking, intelligent, and respectful young man.
He was always eager to learn, and he consistently earned high grades in my class. He was also a leader among his peers, and I saw him help other students who were struggling with the material.
I believe that Juan made a mistake, but I also believe that he has the potential to turn his life around and make positive contributions to our society. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
David Lee
Math Teacher, Central High School
Letter from Religious Leader
Dear Judge Smith,
I am writing to express my support for my parishioner, Maria Garcia, who is facing sentencing for a white-collar crime. I have known Maria for several years, and I can attest to her strong faith, her dedication to her family, and her commitment to giving back to our community.
Maria has been an active member of our church, volunteering at our food bank and participating in our outreach programs. She has also been a devoted wife and mother, and has shown great strength and resilience in the face of personal challenges.
I believe that Maria is truly remorseful for her actions and that she is committed to making amends and to living a life of integrity and service. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Rev. Michael Johnson
St. Mary’s Catholic Church
Letter from Mentor
Dear Judge Smith,
I am writing to express my support for my mentee, Marcus Brown, who is facing sentencing for a drug-related offense. I have been working with Marcus for the past year, and during that time I have seen him make great strides in his personal and professional life.
He has completed a job training program and has been working full-time at a local restaurant. He has also been attending regular counseling sessions and support group meetings to address his substance abuse issues.
I believe that Marcus has a bright future ahead of him, and I know that he is committed to continuing his growth and recovery. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Michelle Chen
Mentor, Big Brothers Big Sisters
Frequently Asked Questions About Character Letters for Sentencing
What is a character letter for sentencing?
A character letter for sentencing is a written document that provides information about a defendant’s character, background, and positive attributes. It is typically written by someone who knows the defendant personally, such as a friend, family member, employer, or mentor.
Who should I ask to write a character letter?
You should ask people who know you well and who can attest to your good character and positive qualities. This might include friends, family members, coworkers, teachers, mentors, or religious leaders.
What should I include in a character letter?
You should include specific examples of the defendant’s good qualities or actions, as well as any relevant personal or professional background information. You might also explain how the defendant’s behavior has affected you personally, or how you believe they will contribute positively to society in the future.
How should I format the character letter?
Your letter should be typed, dated, and signed. It should include your full name, address, and contact information. You should also address the letter to the judge or magistrate who will be sentencing the defendant.
How long should the character letter be?
Your letter should be one to two pages at most. It should be concise and to the point, without unnecessary details or rambling.
Can I submit more than one character letter?
Yes, you can submit multiple character letters if you have more than one person who is willing to write one. However, be sure to choose people who have different perspectives or experiences with the defendant, rather than submitting several letters that all say the same thing.
Will the judge read my character letter?
Yes, the judge will typically read all character letters submitted on behalf of the defendant. However, they will also consider other factors, such as the nature of the offense and the defendant’s criminal history, when making their decision.
Conclusion
A character letter for sentencing can be a valuable tool in presenting a positive image of the defendant to the judge. By following the tips outlined in this article and using the examples provided as a guide, you can write an effective letter that may help the defendant receive a more lenient sentence. Remember to be honest, specific, and concise, and to choose people to write letters who have personal knowledge of the defendant’s good qualities and actions.