How do you write a Sentencing Letter to The Judge?

1. Know How To Address the Judge

Incorrectly addressing the Judge gives a very bad first impression. Before the Judge gets a chance to read all the great things you have to say in your letter, he has already focused on the first negative.
This could easily influence his attitude or mood while reading the rest of the letter. It is important that your letter not contain any information that can lead to negative impressions with the Judge.  

2. Ensure the Formalities of the Letter are Correct

The letter should contain your return address, the date and the correct salutation to the Judge.
It should also refer to the name of the person you are writing the letter for either between the address and salutation or in the first sentence of the letter.  

3. Not Too Short & Not Too Long

Your letter should be between 1 and 3 pages long.
Letters that are too short will suggest that you lacked anything worthwhile to say and will reflect badly on the person you are writing the letter for.
Letters that are too long will loose the attention of the Judge and could come off as 'trying to hard' to influence or sway the decision of the Judge.  

4. Identify Yourself & Your Relationship to the Defendent

At the beginning of your letter you should state your name, occupation and your relationship to the person you are writing the letter for.
This establishes clearly in the mind of the Judge who you are and why you are qualified to write a character reference for the individual.  

5. Do Not Diminish The Seriousness of the Offence

You are not writing the letter to change the mind of the Judge. You are writing to give an identity and insight to the person being sentenced. In the letter it is important to recognize the seriousness of the offense, its impact on the victim and society.
It is not your job to try to change the Judge's mind but provide information that may give him some understanding of the person being judged.  

6. Double Check for Spelling & Grammer Mistakes

Establish yourself as a reliable person qualified to write a character reference by ensuring that your letter is impeccably presented.
Double check for spelling mistakes, grammatical errors and anything else that presents your letter as anything less than polished.  

7. Quality Not Quantity

Rather than try to have Tom, Dick and Harry write a sentencing letter, choose a few close family members, a longtime friend or two, former boss(es), co workers, preachers and respected people in the community that know the defendent well.  

8. Give the Person You Are Writing About An Identity

One of the most important functions of your letter is to help the Judge see who your loved one, friend or colleague is beyond the crime.
Include in your letter details about your long and positive relationship with the defendant showing him/her as a trustworthy and caring friend or family member.