What should I put in a character reference for court?

Character letters should include your name, mailing address, phone number and email address so that the court can verify your information. They should be addressed either to the Honorable [FIRST NAME] [LAST NAME] or Judge [FIRST NAME] [LAST NAME].

What should you not write in a character reference for court?

You should never include information you know to be untrue and lying to the court is an offence in itself. A reference should be limited to giving positive affirmations of the person facing charges, and shouldn’t make any suggestions as to the penalty you believe the accused should be given.

How do you write a character reference letter for court sentencing?

The character letter for sentencing should include the author’s name, address, and telephone number. It should be no longer than one page and should be signed. When writing your letter, be sure to include how long you’ve known the defendant, when you met, and the nature of the relationship.

Do character letters help at sentencing?

When character reference letters avoid the flaws above, they go a long ways toward improving the outcomes for a defendant at sentencing. Good character reference letters help the judge understand the defendant as an individual. Ideally, the writer should express how he or she knows the defendant.

How do you end a character reference?

Conclusion: End your letter by thanking the person reading it for their time and offering to answer any additional questions they may have. Include your full name and contact information at the bottom of the letter.

How do you write a character statement?

Make sure you address specific traits. An effective character statement focuses on specifics. It can’t be a rambling, general statement that “John is one of the nicest guys I have ever met”. It must directly describe traits that support the person’s character and counters the alleged bad behavior.

Are Character references read out in court?

Mrs Justice Whipple has ruled that character references relied on at sentencing hearings are as a class not confidential documents. The default position is that they should be released to the media on request.

How do you write a good character letter?

How to write a character reference letter

1. Start by explaining your relationship to the candidate.
2. Include long you’ve known the candidate.
3. Add positive personal qualities with specific examples.
4. Close with a statement of recommendation.
5. Offer your contact information.

What factors does a judge consider when sentencing?

A judge must impose a sentence that is sufficient, but not greater than necessary, to: reflect the seriousness of the offense; promote respect for the law; provide just punishment for the offense; adequately deter criminal conduct; protect the public from further crimes by the defendant; and provide the defendant with …

What should you include in a reference?

A detailed reference (or character reference) can include:

• answers to questions from the employer requesting the reference.
• details about your skills, ability and experience.
• details about your character, strengths and weaknesses relating to your suitability for the new role.
• how often you were off work.

Who is a good character reference?

Consider asking a longtime friend, neighbor, mentor, coach, teacher or professor. You could also ask a familiar business contact. If you have experience volunteering, the volunteer coordinator or head of a charitable organization would be a good character reference.

What is a character reference?

A character reference, also known as a personal reference, is a letter written by someone who knows you and can attest to your personal qualities.