Character Reference Letter to a Judge

Writing a character reference letter to a judge may seem like a daunting task, considering the weight it carries and how it might affect the life of someone who you personally know. A character reference letter aids in highlighting the positive qualities and humaneness of a person who has committed a crime. It usually contains testimonies about the accused and how they have been involved with the community and on a personal basis, with the person giving the reference. These letters of reference can be very useful in reducing the sentence of the accused, helping the court see that he can be rehabilitated, and that he is sorry for his crime.

Character reference letters for court appearances can be written by any person who personally knows the defendant, and could include close family friends, teachers, coaches, a leader of your community, church or cultural group, a colleague or a boss. The person should have a good reputation himself. They do not necessarily have to be of high standing, but need to have something good to share about the defendant.

How to Write

• The format of the letter is best kept formal as in any other character reference letter, (see character reference letters examples). The letter should be addressed to the court, preferably to the judge, (see the sample below) and should be typed.
• Do mention that you are aware of the charges against the defendant, while writing the letter, and that he might even be guilty.
• A brief introduction of who you are. Be short and precise.
• Include how you have come to know the person, how long you know him, and in what capacity.
• Also write about your feelings on learning about the defendant's charge.
• Instances of how the defendant helped you and you think that he is a good person should be mentioned.
• Include the date and your signature.

Dos and Don'ts

Dos: The things that are important and are allowed in a character reference letter.

• The title and position of the person who is giving the reference. The letter can be written on a letterhead, if available.
• You can include a short description or illustration of incidents of how you know the defendant as a good person, and how he has contributed in the community.
• You can also write about how he is remorseful and would like to change his ways.
• If you know of any personal problems or situation that may have caused the defendant to commit the crime, you could state that, but only if it helps. You could speak to the defendant's lawyer or the defendant himself to make sure if it's okay to mention this information.

Don'ts: These are the things that are best not done when writing character reference letters for court appearances.

• Do not write about how you want the sentence to be awarded or criticize the law or police in your letter. This is not the place to do that.
• Do not try to be too poetic or informal with the tone of your letter. You are not trying to move the judge. Just honestly mention what you feel.
• Do not lie or include things you are not sure about. This would be considered an offense.
• Always get your letter checked by the defense lawyer, before it is presented in a court.
• If there are multiple letters, each one should be unique and is, therefore, advisable to be written separately by the individuals themselves.

Now that you know what should and need not be included in such a letter, let's have a look at a sample letter of character to a judge.

Sample Character Letter to Judge

1st December, 2011 To, The Sentencing Judge/The Honorable Judge, Bruce Clark Robinson Your Honor, My name is Jack Vanstein and I am an employee at Franz Motor Company. I have worked with Bruce for the last ten years. He is a close friend and his children attend school with mine. He is a hardworking person and is well-respected by everyone here at the company. There have been no complaints against him at the company, and is generally a bright and cheerful person. He was also involved in starting the company's social initiative group called Give. He is an honorable person and an active participant in community activities. I have spoken to him and he did tell me about the crime he is being tried for, and he is in great remorse of the fact that he committed the crime. Yours Sincerely, Jack Vanstein (Signature)

1st December, 2011 To, The Sentencing Judge/The Honorable Judge, Your Honor, I am writing in reference to Case # 165887, which involves Mr. Bruce Clark Robinson, who is {being sentenced, seeking custody of a child, etc.}. I have known Mr. Robinson for ten years now, and we are coworkers in the same company. I believe I am in a position to speak about Mr. Robinson's moral character, so I hope you will take this letter into account when making your decision. Mr. Robinson is, in short, a good person. He has always been kind and generous with others. He has a strong sense of duty, which applies in his job, family, and community. He also possesses a great deal of integrity, and constantly strives to make sure he is doing the right thing. It must be difficult for you to make decisions like this when you don't actually know the person standing in front of you, so I hope you will look at my letter and the countless others you're receiving, and understand that Mr. Robinson is the kind of person around whom people rally. That has to say something, so please let that be a factor in your decision. Thank you, Yours Sincerely, Jack Vanstein (Signature)

Character reference letters to judges need not be too long with irrelevant information or any exaggerated claims, but should be sure to contain all the necessary information and details. Do not write the letter in a casual fashion, and preferably write it on a letterhead if possible. The character reference letter to a judge should be shown to the defending lawyer before the case, to make sure it is appropriate, and also to see if any of the points mentioned could be used to strengthen the case. Do all that you sincerely can and hope for the best.