The writer may say that the two families have spent many summer vacations camping together. For example, the writer may believe that the defendant is a hard worker, good father or family man. The third paragraph may be a statement of the character of the defendant. For example, the writer may say he or she will give the defendant a job or allow him or her to live at the writer’s home. It may also mention anything the writer is willing to do to help the defendant once he or she is out of prison.
The second paragraph should state that the writer clearly understands the problems and crime of the defendant. For example, the writer may say he or she has known the defendant since he or she was a child, is a friend of the family or was a mentor and teacher of the defendant. It should give details about the relationship so that the judge can determine if the writer is qualified to speak on behalf of the defendant.
The first paragraph should state who the writer is and his or her relationship to the defendant. This type of letter usually focuses on the good character of the defendant and why the writer believes the defendant’s sentence should be reduced. Reconsideration Letter May Also be Written by a Third PartyĪ reconsideration letter may also be written by a third party to the sentencing judge. The last paragraph should have a one-sentence summary of the purpose of the letter and the hoped-for outcome. These should be politely stated and not resemble a threat or demand. In the third paragraph, the writer may offer suggestions of the outcome they would like. If the reconsideration letter is being written by someone other than the person who was sentenced, it should give character references to show why the writer believes the incident will never be repeated. The writer can also state any lessons learned by the arrest and court case and promise that it will never happen again.