A character letter is quite important when a legal case’s judgment is under contention. It gives the court a personal glimpse of the defendant’s life, offering the court a different perspective beyond the charges.
A character letter is not Princess Tiara’s magic wand that will make the jury change their verdict, however, it can make the judge consider a more lenient sentence. So, how do you write a character letter that is persuasive enough? Let’s break it down.
What is the Purpose of a Character Letter?
A character letter is not a legal document, but a human one. It aims to present the defendant as a person, not just a name on a charge sheet.
A good character letter:
Humanizes the defendant: It shows the defendant as a real person with qualities, experiences, and connections.
Builds rapport with the judge: It creates a positive impression of the defendant, making the judge more receptive.
Mitigates the offense: While not excusing the crime, it can provide context and show the defendant’s remorse.
See also: How to Write a Compelling Character Letter to a Judge for a Friend: Tips and Template
Who Should Write a Character Letter?
The most effective character letters come from people who genuinely know the defendant. This can be:
- Family members: Parents, siblings, or spouses and minor children
- Friends
- Employers or colleagues
- Community leaders
- Mentors or teachers
What to Include in Your Character Letter for Court
Your relationship with the defendant. Who you are to them and how long you’ve known them.
Their Positive qualities. Find a way to demonstrate these qualities.
Contributions to their community
Impact on others. If you know any volunteer work they have been involved in, those they have helped and how.
Remorse and future plans.
See also: How to Write an Excuse Letter for School: Format, Samples, and Guidelines
How to Write a Character Letter for Court
1. Address the court properly
Start the letter with Dear Judge (first and last name) but after writing mail it to the defendant’s lawyer. Do not send it to the judge or court directly.
The judge should not get your letter directly. The lawyer must give it to the judge.
2. Identify yourself
The finest character letters begin with the writer providing a quick introduction to themselves and what they do.
Next, explain how long you’ve known the defendant and the circumstances surrounding it. Is he, say, a relative? A romantic partner? A friend? A former coworker or employee? Tell us how you met him and how comfortable you are with him.
If you describe in detail how you met the defendant—for example, because you worked with him for several years or knew him since you were a child—the judge will give your letter more weight.
3. Describe the defendant’s character
Following your introduction and explanation of how you know the defendant, now is the time to attest to the defendant’s good character.
Discuss the defendant’s childhood, problems faced, career history, familial duties, relationships with parents, siblings, and spouses, health concerns, substance abuse, accessible support systems after release, and future goals.
You can also say if you believe the defendant will conduct himself better upon release and whether they have expressed regret for their actions.
Your letter should not attempt to prove the defendant’s innocence, as it will very probably be used during the sentencing hearing. It is also inappropriate to propose a certain sentence or down-tone the sentence already given by the judge without first consulting with the accused’s defense attorney.
How to write a character reference letter for court child custody
If you have been asked to write a character reference for a judge in a custody dispute, be sure you understand the court’s requirements as well as the letter’s specifics.
Character reference letters should not be more than two pages long.
As you prepare to write, take down any information you have about the parent and make a list of details and examples you want to provide. Create an outline to help you organize your thoughts.
After you’ve finished drafting, double-check that you followed your outline and that the organization makes sense. Use grammar and spell-checking software, and proofread thoroughly.
Remember that writing a character reference allows you to testify in court, so handle the letter and your position with care.
See also: How to Write a Eulogy for a Friend: Heart-touching Eulogy Examples, Tips and Ideas
Tips for Writing an Effective Character Letter for Court
- Be sincere and honest: Your letter should come from the heart. Avoid exaggeration or flattery.
- Be specific: Use concrete examples.
- Keep it concise: A letter that is too long can be overwhelming. Aim for one to two pages.
- Proofread carefully: Errors can undermine the credibility of your letter.
- Focus on the positive: While acknowledging the situation, maintain a positive tone throughout the letter.
Sample How to Write a Good Character Letter for Court
[Name]
[Your address]
[City, State, ZIP]
[Date]
[Court Name]
[Court Address]
[City, State, ZIP]
Re: [Defendant’s Name]
Case No: [Case Number]
Dear [Judge’s Name],
I am writing to offer my support for [Defendant’s Name]. I have known [him/her/them] for [number] years as [your relationship to the defendant].
[Defendant’s Name] is a [positive quality] and [positive quality] individual. For example, [share a specific instance that demonstrates the defendant’s positive qualities].
[Name] has always been there for me, offering [support or assistance]. [Share a specific example of the defendant’s support].
[Defendant’s Name] is deeply involved in our community. [Describe the defendant’s community involvement].
I believe [Defendant’s Name] is a valuable member of our community and deserves a second chance. I am confident that [he/she/they] will learn from this experience and become an even better person.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
See also: How to Write a Book About Your Life: 10 Powerful Tips And Tricks
Sample How to Write Character Reference Letter for Court Child Custody
Address
Court Address
RE: Case #999999999
To the Judge Nwanna C.O,
I am happy to write in support of Susan Ndu’s child custody requests. As Susan’s close friend and neighbor for 11 years, I have known both her and Jamie Martin for most of their marriage and for their children’s entire lives. Susan is an outstanding mother who takes care to provide a good role model for her children. Based on my extended and close personal knowledge of the family, I strongly support Susan Frederick’s request for primary physical custody and sole legal custody. I believe these arrangements are in the best interests of Nora and David Martin.
As a middle school vice principal, I have seen the spectrum of parents. Susan has always stood out to me as an exceptional parent who prioritizes her children. Martin Charles, however, is what I would call a disinterested parent. Long before they separated, Susan expressed to me on multiple occasions that Jamie felt that it was his role to provide financially for the children, but that it was Susan’s job to raise them. Over the years, I have seen this reflected in their parenting dynamic, in which Susan is the primary caregiver and Jamie spends little time with his children.
I have always been impressed by Susan’s commitment to supporting her children’s curiosity and interests while providing necessary structure and guidance. She has also always taken an active role in all aspects of their care. For example, when it was time to enroll David in school, she did extensive research and asked for my expert advice. When Nora began showing symptoms of ADHD, Susan sought out the best specialists for her diagnosis and treatment.
From my perspective, very little about their parenting arrangement has changed since Jamie moved out. Susan continues to be the primary parent, and Jamie sees the kids occasionally. Susan remains the more emotionally nurturing and caring parent. Maintaining this stable dynamic in which their mother provides the vast majority of their care in the home they’ve lived in their entire lives is, in my opinion, what’s best for Nora and David.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Sylvia Madu
See also: How to Write a Book With No Experience for Beginners in 12 Steps
Common Mistakes to Avoid when you write a character letter for court
Focusing on the crime: Don’t discuss the details of the crime.
Making promises: Don’t promise the defendant will change or refrain from future offenses. Don’t vouch for them.
Being overly emotional: While sincerity is important, avoid overly emotional language.
Ignoring the court: Address the letter to the judge and be respectful of the legal process.
How do I Send the Character Letter to Court?
Once you’ve finished writing the character letter, the next step is to ensure it reaches the right hands. Here’s how to send your character letter effectively:
Understand the Court’s Procedures
Every court has its specific guidelines for submitting character letters. Contact the court clerk or the defendant’s lawyer to inquire about the proper procedure and deadlines.
Also, ask how many copies of the letter you will need to send. Typically, you’ll need one for the court, one for the judge, and one for the defendant’s attorney.
Ensure the letter adheres to the court’s formatting requirements, such as font size, margins, and paper size.
The three people you can send your character letter to are directly to the court, through the defendant’s attorney, and by mail.
See also: 10 Types of Creative Nonfiction Books and Genres and How to Write It
Can I Follow Up on the Character Letter I sent for Court for a Family Member?
While it’s best to avoid appearing overly eager, following up on your character letter can be important.
Wait a reasonable period (about a week) after submitting the letter before following up.
The court is likely busy, so approach your inquiry with courtesy and understanding.
Clearly state your purpose for contacting the court.
If needed, offer to provide any additional information or documents that will be used to ascertain the credibility of your character letter.
Follow Up Character Letter Example
Your address
Court Address
Dear [Court Clerk’s Name],
I am writing to follow up on a character letter I submitted on [date] in support of [defendant’s name], case number [case number]. I wanted to inquire about the status of the letter and whether it has been received by the court.
Please let me know if any additional information is required from me. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Contact Information]
See also: Do You Italicize Book Titles? Essay Secrets Revealed
Conclusion
A character letter can be a powerful tool in a legal case. By following these guidelines and writing from the heart, you can write a letter that truly makes a difference. Use these tips to write a character letter for court. All the best!
References
- Mdfd – how to write a character letter for court child custody
- Cohen defense – how to write a character letter for court child custody
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