It is always a good idea to thank the Court. Also don't forget all those that supported you during your difficult time...... Never send anything directly to the judge. Always give to your attorney as well as keep a copy for yourself. Should you need to appear in court have additional copies with you incase for some strange reason they are not in your report addressed to the court for consideration. This happened to a friend of mine and I had a feeling her letters would not be presented to the court in time for review before sentencing and because she did have additional copies in court with her, the presiding judge called a recess and took the time to read ALL 53 letter (instead of just 12 from the probation department...) of character reference.