Avoid landmines. When writing a sincere letter to a judge, it is crucial to avoid landmines. Any harmful or controversial remarks can harm your friend's case.

CHICAGO (WLS) -- An avalanche of letters in support of Ed Burke are now in the hands of U.S. District Judge Viginia Kendall. The letters contain glowing prose of family, friends, public officials ...

For some, the letters serve a single purpose: to try to persuade the judge to render an appropriate sentence. For others, the letters are about something else entirely.