Not sure... it never hurts to try though.

Make sure when family & friends write that they refrain from:

"Oh... he couldn't have done such a thing."
"He's innocent" - He may be... I don't know anything about his case.

and statements alike. I was in the federal system and was never offered anything like that. I don't think anyone in my family would have responded though.

They can say in effect, "I understand the gravity of his charges and I do not condone them, however I believe in "________________ " to make the right decisions from now on and believe that he will apply himself to doing all he can to better himself."

Hope this helps.

Whether or not the judge reads them, I think she might notice if there are NO letters of support.. iIntheStepson has some good suggestions

Letters of support probably do not influence a judge very often, but they cannot hurt. Many judges don't even read them.

A few comments------NEVER mention that the defendant---the person for which you are writing the letter----has been handed down a grave injustice or he received a really bad deal or that the investigation was unfair; and certainly, certainly NEVER do any victim bashing if the offense had a victim.

Doing either of these things will completely destroy any possible benefit a letter might have.

The letter must be written to show the defendant is contrite and takes 100% responsibility for his crime---no excuses. Anything to the contrary will never help a defendant.

You may want to say a lot of things, but if there is ever a time to kiss butt, this is it.

Also, it is best to keep the letter short. Judges do not have the time or the inclination to read long letters.

At this point, the criminal justice system looks at a defendant as an object or just another number or statistic, so the best support letters tend to humanize the defendant while asking for leniency. That is about all you can do in these situations at this point.

I have had people tell me who have written effective letters that they wrote the judge about an incident in which the defendant was very kind or did something very positive for his family or his community. This relates to the humanization process.

In other words, you might mention personal experiences of incidences that highlight the defendant's good nature. He may have volunteered for the Salvation Army or the Humane Society, or he may have taken care of his mother and father when they were old and dying. These are probably not the best examples, but use examples that make the defendant look like a kind human being rather than just a number.

As I said, humanizing him and just asking for leniency is about all there is left at this point.

Good luck,

rewdiazepam

My son was a decorated war hero and had letters of support from friends, family and his past commander but it didn't make much of a difference. He still got 3 years. Then both times we filed for early release we submitted letters and both times he was turned down. So..........no probably not much of a difference.

In my husbands case the judge never even read them. Then why ask for them?

A friend wrote a letter of support on my behalf. I don't know if the judge read the letter, or whether it made a difference in my sentence. I do know that it meant a hell of a lot to me that someone would do that.

Again too many factors. Type of case, the judge, prosecutor, evidence, on and on. I know in my case my assessment and letters did help after the prickly judge agreed with the prosecutor and wanted prison time.

My children and I and friends wrote letters in support of hubby. I read them out loud in court. It didn't do a thing, besides give the DA more fuel to throw at me.

In my case with my husband, we submitted letters from myself, his brother, a couple of friends and the Pastor at our church. Everyone focused on the good things that my husband has accomplished & then we all stated how we will continue to support him & make sure that he continues with his counseling and that he will follow any rules or whatever the court imposes. I don't know who read them, but I do believe it made a difference. My husband received a 6 month sentence in jail with work release and 5 years probation. But he did begin counseling immediately after the incident and completed his Psycho Sexual Evaluation (at a cost of $1,600) BEFORE the court required anything. Our lawyer was very proactive in our case. My husband is being released the 23rd of this month and is still receiving good reports from his counselor.

I wondered the same. Will letters make a difference? Should i bother? Why should i spend the time to write a letter that will not make a difference? I have better things to do. Really? Are you kidding me?

I knew if i wrote a letter it would take every part of me. I would be pleading for leniency. I would be advocating a man who brutally raped a woman. How can i support him?

So i went and talked to a judge. I told him my concerns. I asked him how much weight he gives support letters. He told me it makes a difference. He does not know the defendant. This at least gives him an idea who the defendant is. If there is no one to advocate him...what does that say? When someone has support from family and the community it will make a difference.

My SIL was facing 60 yrs in prison. His lawyer put my letter first in the package of letters. He told me my letter made the most impact and was well written. My SIL got 10 yrs. I have to think the letters made a difference.

Think of yourself as an artist. You have to paint a pix of your nephew. First of all acknowledge your nephews wrongdoing. Dont make excuses for it. When he pleads to an offense he is basically pleading guilty. So do not waste the judges time by saying he was innocent.

Tell the judge about him. Let him know what a kind and caring person he is. Back it up with examples. Its one thing to say what a good person he is...and another to give examples. Like he volunteered time at a local charity. Or how well he treated his little sister. Think back about all the good he has done.

In addition....it helps to write about the present. He is remorsful. He acknowledges what he has done. His incarceration would be a detriment to him and his family. He would do better on supervision vs prison.

Do not ever second guess yourself. He is your family. If he is worth the time...please write a letter. And support him.

Thanks everyone.

I already wrote my letter stating exactly what was suggested...I was just curious if they were effective since I had heard conflicting opinions from outsiders.

We have thus far accumulated 20 letters from family, co-workers, clients, friends, etc...the outpouring of love and support has been overwhelming!

Power of prayer!