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Character letter for federal sentencing: sample and guide

In federal cases, the law tells the judge to consider the defendant’s “history and characteristics.” Character letters are how the court hears about them from people who know the defendant.

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The sample letter

All names and details below are fictional.

Dear Judge Whitaker,

My name is Rev. Thomas Greene, and I have been the pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in Jackson, Mississippi, for twenty-two years. I have known Andre Wallace for sixteen of those years as a member of our congregation and as a volunteer.

I am aware of the offense to which Andre has pleaded guilty and of its seriousness. In our conversations since then he has not made excuses. He has spoken about the people affected and about what he owes them.

For twelve years Andre has run our church’s Saturday food pantry, which now serves about ninety families a week. He recruited most of our volunteers and still unloads the truck himself at six in the morning. Many of the families who come to us know him by name.

Andre is also the person his mother and his two teenage children depend on. Since his plea he has continued working, has begun paying toward what he owes, and has asked me to hold him accountable in weekly meetings, which we have kept without fail.

I respectfully ask the Court to weigh Andre’s long record of service and the steps he has taken as it decides his sentence. I would be glad to speak with the Court or with Probation if that would be helpful.

Respectfully,

Rev. Thomas Greene, Pastor, New Hope Baptist Church
(601) 555-0126

Why this letter works

  • Standing and duration. A pastor of twenty-two years who has known the defendant for sixteen is a credible witness to character.
  • Acknowledges the plea. Federal letters are written after a plea or verdict; this one respects that and doesn’t reopen the case.
  • Service with specifics. Ninety families a week and 6 a.m. truck unloading are details the judge can picture.
  • Dependents and accountability. Family responsibilities and a concrete accountability plan speak directly to the sentencing factors.

Tips for your own letter

  • Address the letter to the U.S. District Judge by last name: “Dear Judge <Last name>,”.
  • Send it to the defense attorney, who usually files letters with the sentencing memorandum or gives them to Probation. Many federal judges don’t accept letters sent directly.
  • Federal letters are often docketed and can be seen by the public — leave out addresses, dates of birth and children’s names.
  • Don’t mention guideline ranges, cooperation, or anything about the plea agreement.

What never to put in the letter

  • That the person is innocent, or anything about the evidence.
  • Blame for the victim, the police, or anyone else.
  • A request for a specific sentence, unless the attorney asks for it.
  • Private details: addresses, dates of birth, account numbers, children’s names.

More sample letters

Write yours in about 3 minutes

We start from this page’s situation — just check a few boxes and add one true story.

1 · You
2 · What you've seen
3 · Your story
4 · Your letter

Let's start with you.

There are no wrong answers, and you can change anything later.

Who are you to them?
What is the case about? (pick the closest — "Not sure" is fine)

Tell us about them.

Only what you know to be true — a judge can tell the difference.

What are they like? (optional — only choose what you know is true)
What have they done since the arrest? (judges weigh this — only check what's true)
About you — for the opening line and signature (optional, you can add it later)
How will you support them after release? (housing, a job, rides — the board looks for this)

The moment you'd want the judge to see.

One true memory does more than any list of good qualities. Small, everyday moments are often the most powerful.

What have you seen them do? (optional, but it's the heart of the letter)
Write it the way you'd tell a friend. Details help: who, where, what they did. Please don't write about the case itself — we'll handle that part carefully.
Looking ahead, how will you stand by them? (optional — judges look for a real support system)
Does anyone depend on them? (optional)

Here is the beginning of your letter.

What we did for you

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    Questions people ask

    How many letters should be sent in a federal case?

    It varies — some judges limit the number. The defense attorney will know the judge’s preferences.

    When are federal character letters due?

    Usually before the sentencing memorandum is filed, often weeks before the hearing. Ask the attorney for the deadline.

    Last reviewed 2026-09-28. This page is general information, not legal advice. It follows published guidance from federal defender offices and federal courts, including:

    How we use these sources and test our letters: about CharacterLetter.com.