Document text
Character Reference Letter
[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR ADDRESS]
[PHONE] · [EMAIL]
[DATE]
The Honorable [JUDGE'S NAME, IF THE LAWYER GIVES IT]
[COURT NAME]
Re: [DEFENDANT'S FULL NAME], Case No. [NUMBER]
Dear Judge [NAME],
My name is [YOUR NAME]. I am a [YOUR JOB OR ROLE] in [CITY], and I have known [DEFENDANT'S NAME] for [NUMBER] years as [HOW YOU KNOW THEM: COWORKER, NEIGHBOR, COACH, FRIEND].
I understand that [HE / SHE / THEY] [HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH / HAS PLEADED GUILTY TO] [CHARGE]. I am writing because I know [HIM / HER / THEM] well outside this case.
[EXAMPLE 1: A SPECIFIC, TRUE STORY WITH A DATE OR PLACE.]
[EXAMPLE 2: WHAT THEY DO FOR FAMILY, WORK OR COMMUNITY, OR HOW THEY HAVE RESPONDED SINCE THE OFFENSE.]
[WHAT SUPPORT YOU WILL GIVE, IF ANY: FOR EXAMPLE A JOB, A PLACE TO LIVE, RIDES TO APPOINTMENTS.]
I respectfully ask the Court to consider this when deciding the sentence. I am happy to answer any questions at [PHONE] or [EMAIL].
Respectfully,
____________________
[YOUR NAME]
For me: before handing it to the lawyer
[ ] The writer explains how and how long they have known me
[ ] The letter mentions the charge
[ ] Two specific, true examples
[ ] Signed, with phone or email; sent to my lawyer, not to the judge