Should I write a letter to the judge before sentencing?

Writing a letter before sentencing is a way to tell a judge that the criminal defendant is a good person who deserves a light sentence. Not everyone should write a letter. Instead, you should wait for the defendant’s attorney to give you permission.

What to say to the judge before sentencing?

What to Say to a Judge at Sentencing

• Remorse and Responsibility. One of the biggest things that any judge will want to see is that you understand the crime you have committed and that you have remorse for what you have done.
• Character Letters.
• Community Service.
• More on What to Say to a Judge at Sentencing.

Do judges really read character letters?

Judge Bennett said that he has read somewhere between 30,000 and 40,000 character reference letters. He based his estimate on the fact that he has sentenced more than 4,000 people. On average, Judge Bennett said that defendants submit between seven and nine character reference letters.

Can you talk to the judge before sentencing?

Yes. The right of allocution is the right of the defendant to speak on her own behalf in open court before the judge prior to the pronouncement of sentence. In addition to this right you may present evidence to the Court in order to persuade the court that probation or a lighter sentence is appropriate in your case.

Can you mail a judge a letter?

How can I speak to the judge on my case? To speak to the judge on your case, you must file a written motion with the court. You cannot write the judge a personal letter or email, and you cannot speak to the judge unless you are in a hearing.

Writing a letter before sentencing is a way to tell a judge that the criminal defendant is a good person who deserves a light sentence. Not everyone should write a letter. Instead, you should wait for the defendant’s attorney to give you permission.

How do you write a letter of support for a defendant?

A letter of support should not discuss the merits of the case or discuss any of the evidence or prosecution against the defendant. Letters of support are not taken into consideration during a trial, only in the sentencing hearing. Explain to the judge the circumstances surrounding your relationship with the defendant.

What is a judgement letter of support?

Judges are often mandated by law to apply certain sentences for specific crimes, however sentencing guidelines are often in ranges. For example the sentence for burglary could be five to 10 years. The goal of a letter of support is to persuade the judge to lean more towards the five years.

Can I write a letter requesting leniency before sentencing?

Anyone can write a letter requesting leniency before sentencing, such as the accused, a parent, sibling, friend or another family member, but it still needs to be coordinated with the convicted person’s attorney.