This form is a sample letter in Word format covering the subject matter of the title of the form.
This form is a sample letter in Word format covering the subject matter of the title of the form.
I appreciate your thoughtfulness, respect, and fairness throughout my trial. I was convicted of shoplifting, and I plan to own up to my actions and make amends for my mistakes. While I can't go back in time and reverse what I did, you can rest assured that this will never happen again.
Close family members such as parents, siblings, and life partners cannot be character references because their views are considered too biased. Employers seek references from individuals who can provide an objective and unbiased assessment of your character and abilities.
A character reference letter for court should be written by someone who knows you well, such as a family member, friend, employer, co-worker, or community leader. They should have a good reputation and be able to vouch for your character and behavior.
Follow this guide to write a compelling and respectful letter. Start With Proper Salutation. Introduce Yourself and Your Relationship With the Defendant. Discuss the Defendant's Character Positively. Include Specific Examples and Anecdotes. Conclude With a Summary of Your Recommendations.
Sentences in federal criminal cases – whether they are a result of a plea or a verdict – are set by the judge. Character letters, which are also known as “sentencing letters,” are written by the defendant's friends and family members in an effort to convince the judge to assess a lower sentence.
The structure of a character letter should include an introduction stating your relationship with the defendant, body paragraphs detailing specific positive traits and examples, and a concluding statement reiterating your support. Ensure it's concise, respectful, and professionally formatted.
Do Judges care about character letters? Yes they do. Such letters are particularly useful during sentencing when a Judge may be considering a more harsh or a less harsh sentence. Character letters are unlikely to be persuasive on the issue of guil...
A letter can provide the judge with background information about your family member, their circumstances, and any extenuating circumstances that may have influenced their choice.
Your letter can be typed or neatly handwritten. You should date and sign your letter. You don't need to write formal words to the Court, just make sure everything in your letter is genuine. It is usually a good idea to keep your letter to a page in length, and no more than two pages.
Judges of the Circuit or County Court should be addressed as: “His/Her Honour Judge Smith”. If they are a QC this should still be included at the end of their title, e.g. “His/ Her Honour Judge Smith QC”. For Circuit Judges the first name is only used if there is more than one Circuit Judge with the same surname.