Does writing a letter to a judge before sentencing actually help? Do you need a lawyer to do this?

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Question

Does writing a letter to a judge before sentencing actually help? Do you need a lawyer to do this?

Anonymous Oct 9, 2013 Criminal Defense 3 views 5 answers

My friend was arrested for drug possession and was on summary probation. They rejected the case but he is going to be getting his probation sentencing in a few weeks. His public defender said that if the probation isn't just re-instated, that, he could get 3-9 months in prison. I was thinking that I, his mother and him himself could write letters to the judge. He was doing so well before he relapsed and every knew. If we were to write letters, stating his plan to stay clean and how we were all going to support him and why he deserves another chance, do these things help? Do we need a lawyer in order to get it to the judge?

Greg Hill · Answer 1 · 2026-06-15T10:45:34+00:00

These types of letters do generally help, but be careful with what you say and let his attorney review the letters first, before he or she sheppards them through to the judge, with copies to the DA as well. I once had a packet of letters in support of a client and in one of the letters, a person stated something about an uncharged robbery that he learned a lot from and I almost had a heart attack. That letter did not go to the judge.

Nicholas Loncar · Answer 2 · 2026-06-15T10:45:34+00:00

It can certainly help, but be sure that his attorney sees any letter that you plan to submit to the court. Relapses happen on the road to recovery and showing how much support he has can only make the judge more comfortable with giving him another chance. Best, Nicholas M. Loncar, Esq. t: 323.803.4352 | f: 323.617.3838 www.iDefendLosAngeles.com [email protected] Sunset Law Building | 1295 W Sunset Blvd Los Angeles, CA | 90026

Deborah Anderson · Answer 3 · 2026-06-15T10:45:34+00:00

I just want to add a third voice to say that you must show anything you write to your friend's lawyer first. You do not need to hire a lawyer yourself to write this letter, if that's what your're asking. Letters of support are always good to have at sentencings, but judges might not see some things in the same way that a civilian on the street might. You don't want to say anything that will hurt your friend, and his lawyer is the best person to advise you on whether your letter is helpful or if there is some information that should be omitted. Best of luck to your friend.

Stephen Meister · Answer 4 · 2026-06-15T10:45:34+00:00

I agree with everything that's been said by the other attorneys who answered your question. I also believe that any letter writer should be a person who knows about the charged offenses, so the he or she can discuss the defendant from the perspective of someone who actually knows what happened and why the defendant still deserves a lenient sentence. Letter writers who don't have this knowledge of the defendant (who don't know what the defendant is being sentenced for) risk having lower credibility with the court.

Andrew Roberts · Answer 5 · 2026-06-15T10:45:34+00:00

Andrew Roberts

Andrew Roberts · Jun 15, 2026

I agree with my colleagues- these letters might help. Make sure you show them to an attorney before you send them to anybody.

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Does writing a letter to a judge before sentencing actually help? Do you need a lawyer to do this?

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