![]() What is their general character and reputation in the community?.Are they getting any help to overcome these problems?.Are there any personal problems that may have played a part in what they did? For example, drug or alcohol use, financial issues, mental illness.What do you know of the person’s background and any hardship in their life?.Your knowledge of what is going on in the person’s life Do they feel disgraced in their community or among family and friends?.Has the person suffered any hardship or punishment because of these offences? For example, did they lose their job?.Have they paid for any damage or said sorry to the victim?.Have they gone to counselling or done anything to change their behaviour?.How have they shown that? For example, have they been distressed or upset?.How do they feel about what they have done?.Has the person talked with you about the charges and why they are going to court?.How do you know the person? How long have you known them? How often do you see or call them?.Introduce yourself, say what your job is and include any qualifications you hold.Only comment on things you actually know about the person. You do not have to answer every question in your reference. The contents of the referenceīelow are questions that the magistrate or judge usually wants to know about. This is for the magistrate or judge to decide. Write the character reference so it is formal but speaks honestly about this person.ĭo not say what penalty you think the person should get. What should I include in the reference? The tone of the reference You must also be of good character and not have been in serious trouble with the police before. The reference will be more helpful if you have known the person for a long time or have had a lot of contact with them. The prosecutor in court will also read the reference. Doing so shows that you are serious about helping the defendant and that you mean what you say.The magistrate or judge will read the reference before deciding what penalty to give. Include a telephone number in your conclusion so that the judge may reach you with any questions. Explain how the defendant has learned from their mistake, what steps they have taken to change, and that you believe they will not make the same mistake again. Explain how the defendant’s incarceration will affect his or her family and employer. Does the defendant refuse to go out drinking with his or her friends or coworkers to spend more time with his or her family?Ĭonclude by saying how the defendant’s incarceration will negatively affect their present, their future, their job, and their life.Has the defendant given up work or education to take care of a sick relative?.If the defendant is a good provider for the family or is devoted to his or her family, bring that up and provide examples. If the defendant has done volunteer work in the community, provide names of the organizations and the types of activities he or she participated in. Provide specific examples of good deeds the defendant has done. Doing so establishes your relationship with the defendant. Next, discuss how you met the defendant and how long you have known him or her. When you know the charges against the defendant it sends the judge a message that you do know what the defendant has done but that you are still willing to write positively about the defendant. Let the judge know that you are aware of the charges against the defendant. Tell the judge who you are writing the letter for. Introduce yourself by name and profession. Here is the best way to write a good character witness statement.īest Way to Write a Professional Letter to a Judge Writing A Good Character Witness Statement Being dishonest damages your reputation and does not help the defendant. Make sure you have the judge’s name and title correct. Since the letter is going to be reviewed by a judge, the format and tone of the statement must be professional.
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