Yes! Your loved one’s attorney can submit letters of support to the judge for them to consider before sentencing. These letters should highlight positive attributes of the defendant and help the court to get to know the defendant outside of their criminal charge. We believe it is important for the judge to know the whole person and not just the defendant as a person who committed the crime(s) charged. In addition to submitting your own letter, it is often helpful to have a family member reach out to others who know the defendant well and have a favorable impression.
A few simple guidelines should be followed:
- Open your letter with “Dear Judge [insert the judge’s last name]” or Honorable Judge [insert the judge’s last name]”
- If you have access to a computer to type and print your letter, please do so. Otherwise, a handwritten letter will suffice. Just be sure to write as neatly as possible so it can be easily read.
- Identify yourself and your relationship to defendant. Include details describing how long you’ve known them and in what capacity (ex. coworker, relative, through church, childhood friend). It is important for the court to know how you have been able to form your positive impression of the defendant.
- Don’t be afraid to acknowledge the conviction. However, do not discuss the details of the offense, defend the act, or make statements of disbelief of guilt.
- Give your impression of the positive personality attributes of the defendant. If you have a story of behavior that highlights an attribute, include it.
- If you are aware of them, reference conversations or steps taken since the criminal incident or since arrest that indicate remorse, a desire by the defendant to make better choices, or efforts toward rehabilitation (ex. has the defendant shown an exemplary commitment to maintaining stable employment, completed drug treatment and is continuing with support services, etc.?).
- Be sure to sign your letter and include a printed version of your name as well.
Though they are addressed to the judge, be sure you do not send letters of support to the court directly. Instead, give them to the defendant’s attorney to present to the court.