How to write a character reference for court Jody Hanson Updated March 24, Magistrates in the court take character references into consideration when handing down a sentence for someone found guilty of a crime. The purpose of a character reference is to provide insight into the character of the person and to portray how he is viewed by the community.
Writing a character reference You have been asked to write a character reference for someone going to court because this person has broken the law. A character reference is a . Writing a Character Reference Letter for Court (with Samples) Use these sample character reference letters for court as templates for your formal notification. When a person is facing a court appearance, they want all the help they can get. A character reference (also known as a personal reference) is a letter written by someone who knows the job candidate and can speak to his or her character and regardbouddhiste.com professional references, the person writing the reference is not an employer.
It is sometimes the most important piece of evidence for a defendant. It can be from your wife, your child, your friend or someone at your work. Character references can be from any one who has something positive or useful to say. Essential Tips for a Character Reference 1.
Who the character reference is addressed to depends on which Court the defendant is going to. It is important to address a character reference correctly.
It tells the Magistrate or Judge that you know that it is not just a general character reference and is aimed specifically at them.
Show that you know what charges the Defendant is pleading guilty to. This does not have to be the specific charges all written out. The Judge then knows that you know what the reference is for.
There is no point turning up with a character reference that does not do this. Find out if the person has been in trouble for this criminal offence before. We would not use a character reference like this as it would be dismissed as worthless.
Be careful discussing the facts of the case in detail unless you have seen the summary of facts being read to the Judge. How long you have known the person. This is a useful thing to put in a reference as it shows they have known you long enough to see a change in you.
Include plenty of detail in the character reference. It is very important to explain in detail about the person you are writing the character reference for. He constantly helps my son out in many ways and so I have had regular contact with him.
Remember the Judge does not know the defendant and they rely on the lawyers and documents, such as character references, to explain who they are. How you came to meet them. Again this is information that is useful in assessing how much weight to give to a character reference.
You should always be completely truthful in character references. There is nothing worse for a person than to hand up a character reference and it be shown to be untruthful.
What do you truly think of the defendant? What qualities do they have that you would want to tell the Judge about if you were having a conversation with them. Any positive things that you can say about their behaviour, activities etc.
Do they do any voluntary work?
Do they help look after sick people? Are they the coach of the junior footy team? A character reference for Court is all about giving a context to a persons life.
Everyone has some good qualities.Click on a thumbnail below to view a full sized example of a Character Reference letter.
The person writing the character reference letter should be able to speak positively about the individual, the letter is to be written for. Character Reference Letter for Court Template. Download. Sample Character Reference Letter to Judge. Dear {Sir / Madam}, First of all, receive a cordial greeting. The reference should be: preferably one page but no more than two neatly written or typed addressed to The Chief Clerk signed and dated The referee should include: their name and occupation how long they have known you how they know you their opinion How to write a character reference for court. Andrew Thompson. April 15, How to write. Click on a thumbnail below to view a full sized example of a Character Reference letter. Obtaining The Ultimate Result - a Section 10 Dismissal A section 10 is an order by the court dismissing an offence after someone has pleaded guilty or been found guilty.
Obtaining The Ultimate Result - a Section 10 Dismissal A section 10 is an order by the court dismissing an offence after someone has pleaded guilty or been found guilty. My dm has been asked by a friend and ex work colleague to write a character reference for him.
Obviously i can't say too much but he has been accused of something appalling and my dm is in no doubt of his innocence so wants to write a good reference.
The person writing the character reference letter should be able to speak positively about the individual, the letter is to be written for. Character Reference Letter for Court Template.
Download. Sample Character Reference Letter to Judge. Dear {Sir / Madam}, First of all, receive a cordial greeting.
Writing a character reference You have been asked to write a character reference for someone going to court because this person has broken the law. A character reference is a . A character reference (also known as a personal reference) is a letter written by someone who knows the job candidate and can speak to his or her character and regardbouddhiste.com professional references, the person writing the reference is not an employer.
How to set out the reference. Write the reference like a letter.
Type it up and put it on a letterhead if you have one. See the example character reference (below). Tips. Put the date at the top of the reference.
For cases being heard in the Magistrates’ Court, address the reference to .