- First Paragraph: Explain who you are. …
- Second Paragraph: Explain why you are writing the letter. …
- Third Paragraph: Thank the court, and make your “ask.” State that you are available to confirm the facts in this letter as necessary.
How do you write a character reference letter for someone who is sentenced?
The character letter for sentencing should include
the author's name, address, and telephone number
. It should be no longer than one page and should be signed. When writing your letter, be sure to include how long you've known the defendant, when you met, and the nature of the relationship.
How do you write a good character letter for court?
- Introduce yourself. State what your occupation is and any qualifications you hold.
- Outline your relationship with the person who is the subject of the legal proceedings. DO. …
- Acknowledge the charges that have been brought against the person. DO. …
- State your opinion of the person's general character. DO.
Do character letters help at sentencing?
When character reference letters avoid the flaws above, they go a long ways toward improving the outcomes for a defendant at sentencing. … Good character reference letters
help the judge understand the defendant as an individual
. Ideally, the writer should express how he or she knows the defendant.
What does a judge look for in a character letter?
What is the Goal of a Character Letter? The goal of a character letter is to cast the defendant in the most favorable light possible. A character letter to a judge should
establish your credibility
, paint a full picture of the defendant and be respectful, among other things.
What are the six traits of good character?
The Six Pillars of Character are
trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship
.
How do you write a good character reference?
- Start by explaining your relationship to the candidate. How do you know the candidate? …
- Include long you've known the candidate. …
- Add positive personal qualities with specific examples. …
- Close with a statement of recommendation. …
- Offer your contact information.
What to tell a judge before sentencing?
- Remorse and Responsibility. One of the biggest things that any judge will want to see is that you understand the crime you have committed and that you have remorse for what you have done. …
- Character Letters. …
- Community Service. …
- More on What to Say to a Judge at Sentencing.
How do you ask the judge for leniency?
Type the salutation for the letter, such as
“Dear Judge Jones
,” followed by a colon after the judge's last name. Type one or two sentences, telling the judge why you are writing, explaining that you are asking for leniency.
What factors does a judge consider when sentencing?
A judge must impose a sentence that is sufficient, but not greater than necessary, to:
reflect the seriousness of the offense
; promote respect for the law; provide just punishment for the offense; adequately deter criminal conduct; protect the public from further crimes by the defendant; and provide the defendant with …
What should a character reference include?
- Start by explaining your relationship to the candidate. …
- Include long you've known the candidate. …
- Add positive personal qualities with specific examples. …
- Close with a statement of recommendation. …
- Offer your contact information.
Do judges read letters sent to them?
The judge will not read your letter and will send it to the opposing party/attorney
. Such a letter is known as an ex parte communication.
What is a good character letter?
A character reference letter is written by someone who knows you personally. Instead of highlighting your professional skills and qualities, this letter is meant to speak to your personal qualities. These are at least equal in importance, if not significantly more important. You can teach skills on the job.
What are good character examples?
- Integrity.
- Honesty.
- Loyalty.
- Respectfulness.
- Responsibility.
- Humility.
- Compassion.
- Fairness.
What are my good qualities?
- Sincere.
- Honest.
- Understanding.
- Loyal.
- Truthful.
- Trustworthy.
- Intelligent.
- Dependable.
