How to Write a Professional Letter to a Judge
Many people find themselves in a position where they need to write a professional letter to a judge. Divorcees frequently need to address the judge regarding child support or other issues, plaintiffs and defendants in litigation often choose to address issues with the judge through a professional letter and those being charged with a crime may seek professional letters that will attest to their good character. A letter can make a huge difference in a case and should use proper grammar and address the judge in the correct manner.
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Instructions
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Insert your full name on the first line with your cursor at the left-hand side of the page.
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Write your street address on the next line.
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Write your city, state and zip code on the next line.
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Insert a blank line below the address.
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Type the date in the following format: April 20, 2011.
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Insert a blank line after the date.
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Address the letter to "The Honorable Full name, Judge, United State District Court" for a federal court judge or "The Honorable Full name, Judge of the Court of Place name" for state or local judges.
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Type the street address of the court on the next line.
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Type the city, state and zip code of the court on the next line.
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Insert a blank line below the court's address.
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Write "Dear Judge Last name" on the next line so that it addresses the judge in the following manner: "Dear Judge Mason" followed by a comma.
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Enter a blank line after the opening address to the judge.
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State your role in the case and the case name or case number. For example, this sentence may read something like this: "I am the respondent in the divorce case of Thompson v. Thompson."
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State your purpose for writing the letter. For example, this sentence may read, "I am writing to request temporary custody of my two children."
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Insert a blank line.
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Write what you have to say to the judge in a candid and respectful manner. Include any supporting thoughts, opinions or examples. Keep the letter between one and three pages, inserting blank lines in between each paragraph.
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Insert a blank line after the final paragraph and end the letter with "Respectfully," followed by a blank line for your signature.
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Type your full name.
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Type your date of birth on the next line.
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Print the letter and sign your name above where you name is printed.
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Make seven copies of your letter.
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Give your lawyer (or the lawyer of the person who you are writing the letter for) a copy of the letter.
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Hand a copy of the letter to the attorney for the other side on the day that the case is about to be heard. For example, if you are the defendant in a case, give the prosecuting attorney a copy of the letter.
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Provide your probation officer with a copy of the letter if you are on probation.
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Hand the original copy of your letter to the court clerk or bailiff when the case is about to be heard and ask that the letter be given to the judge. The extra copies you have left are for yourself and in case the judge requests an extra copy.
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Tips & Warnings
Always keep a copy of the letter for yourself.
Be sure to use proper grammar and correct spelling. Use the spell check feature to check spelling and make sure to read through your letter several times, checking for any errors.
Have someone else proofread the letter, looking for errors and suggesting any changes.
Do not present evidence in your letter. Any photographs or sketches should be submitted separately as evidence.
