Write the date at the top of your letter. May 18, 2018 Provide the official name and address of the judge. Honourable Nancy Crain United States District Judge 123 Business Avenue, New York, NY 12345 State the name of the defendant (RE stands for “in reference to” or “referring to”) RE: Alison Carlisle Start your letter with a salutation. It is appropriate to write either “Dear Judge [Last Name]” of simply “Your Honor” Dear Judge Crain, Briefly introduce yourself and your profession. Highlight your credentials so that your defense holds more weight. My name is Kevin Shu, PhD. and I am a physics professor at the University of New York. Provide a general statement of support on behalf of the defendant. I have known Alison for over five years, and during that time I have come to highly value her kind and conscientious approach towards life. Though she has made a grave error in judgement, she is by no means a hardened criminal and does not belong in prison. Explain how you know the defendant, and highlight any positive character traits. I first met Alison when she was fifteen. My wife and I hired her as a babysitter for our two daughters, then three and five years old. The girls immediately fell in love with Alison’s caring and considerate nature. Over the next few years, she grew alongside our family, graduating from high school and then taking night classes in order to obtain an associate’s degree in graphic design. Though she worked long hours both day and night, I never heard Alison complain once, as she truly understood the importance of a good education. To conclude, explain why you believe the sentence should be reduced. When she was arrested, Alison was only a semester and a half away from achieving her dreams as an artist and small business owner. To lock her away at the cusp of her career is unfair both to Alison and to the people whose lives she has so positively influenced. I believe that with the right type of rehabilitative services, Alison will soon become once again a valued member of our community. Sincerely, Kevin Shu., PhD.