A Character Reference Letter for Court is a written statement advocating for an individual’s moral standing, which can influence the judge’s decision in both civil and criminal cases.
When a judge reviews case documents, a well-written character letter can help them understand the individual’s true character, providing context beyond the specifics of the case. In criminal cases, this may aid in reducing a potential sentence; while in civil cases, it can support the individual’s suitability and integrity in matters like child custody.
When to Use
Character reference letters for court may be helpful to the individual’s case under the following circumstances:
- DUI cases – To provide context and support for a defendant in a DUI case, potentially mitigating penalties by demonstrating that the incident was out of character.
- Child custody cases – To demonstrate the suitability of a parent to retain or gain custody of their child.
- Other sentencing hearings – To potentially reduce the severity of the sentence after a conviction.
Although the court reviews character letters, it is not the judge who requests them. The attorneys will typically ask trusted individuals to provide the letter to strengthen the case for their client.
Criminal vs. Civil Cases
Criminal cases involve offenses against the state, such as theft or assault, where the character reference can help by demonstrating the defendant’s remorse and advocating for a lighter sentence. Civil cases, like child custody disputes, focus on resolving private conflicts. Here, a character reference can support an individual’s suitability by highlighting their positive attributes and commitment to responsibilities, aiding the court’s decision-making process.
► READ MORE: Can You Modify a Parenting Plan Without Going to Court?
Who Should Write
Individuals often ask family members, friends, co-workers, or managers for character reference letters for court, as these individuals will likely be able to provide an honest and detailed picture of the your character.
If you are unsure whom to ask, consider the following questions:
- Can this person speak to your true character accurately?
- Can they provide specific examples of your good character?
- Do they have credibility in the community?
- Will they be able to write a letter that is both effective and appropriate for a legal context?
- Have they been informed about the specifics of my legal case?
You can submit as many character reference letters as you like, but it’s common to submit two or three.
Can family members serve as character references?
While a family member with insight into your character can provide a powerful reference, you should also try to ask for reference letters from individuals with a good standing in their community or profession — such as professional acquaintances or community leaders — who know you well personally to avoid bias.
How to Write
A character reference letter for court should include the following information:
- The writer’s relationship with the party;
- Acknowledgment of the committed crime;
- Verifiable examples of the person’s good character and attributes;
- The writer’s complete and honest opinion of the person’s character.
If an attorney asks you to write a character reference for court, use the character reference letter template provided as a starting point and take the following steps to craft an effective letter.
Step 1: Format
Most courts require specific formatting for character reference letters and other submitted documents. The requesting party can help you meet the appropriate formatting requirements for:
- Paper size;
- Heading;
- Date;
- Case number;
- Reference line;
- Court’s address.
Step 2: Introduction
You may begin with “Dear Judge [Name]” or “To Whom It May Concern”. Use the first paragraph to tell the judge:
- who you are;
- your relationship with the person;
- how long you have known the person for, and
- your knowledge of the case, including the case number and its description.
See below for a sample of the introduction for a criminal defendant character reference letter:
My name is John Smith, and I am writing to offer a character reference for Michael Johnson , whom I have had the privilege of knowing for over ten years as a close family friend. With their court proceedings concerning Mr. Johnson’s DUI offense, Case Number: 2024-AA-012345, approaching, I am compelled to share my observations of their character based on our extensive interactions.
Step 3: Body Paragraphs
Provide verifiable examples that demonstrate the person’s positive attributes. Use your knowledge of the individual to persuade the judge that the offense was a one-time occurrence and will not happen again.
If it’s a civil case regarding child custody, highlight the individual’s dedication to family responsibilities, stable employment, and positive involvement in the community.
Situations that could support your assessment of the individual’s character include:
- A life situation that led to the problem (more common in criminal cases);
- The impact the problem had on the individual (more common in crimila cases);
- Stories in which the person shows their good qualities; and
- Examples of situations where the person was responsible or accountable.
Below is an example of body paragraphs from a character reference letter about a child custody case:
Lisa has demonstrated exceptional commitment as a parent, especially during her challenging divorce. She ensured her children’s education and extracurricular activities continued uninterrupted, often volunteering at their school events.
Recognizing the impact of her emotional stress, Lisa sought counseling to maintain a supportive environment for her children. This proactive approach highlights her dedication and accountability, underscoring her ability to prioritize her children’s welfare even under difficult circumstances.
These actions reflect Lisa’s strong character and her capacity to adapt positively, ensuring her children’s needs are always at the forefront.
Step 4: Closing
Affirm your continued support for the individual and your confidence in their ability to learn from the situation. Politely request the court to consider your observations and the defendant’s remorse when determining the sentence.
In civil cases, such as child custody, emphasize your belief in the individual’s commitment to fulfilling their responsibilities and providing a stable, nurturing environment for their children.
See below for a strong, concise closing statement for a criminal character reference letter:
In conclusion, while acknowledging the seriousness of John’s offense, I respectfully request that the court consider his longstanding positive character and the atypical circumstances that led to this lapse in judgment. John has expressed sincere remorse and has taken concrete steps toward rehabilitation. I am confident in his ability to learn from this incident and continue contributing positively to our community.
How long should the letter be?
Your character reference letter should be one to two pages long.
Do’s and Don’ts
Writing tone and focus are equally critical if you want your character reference letter to win the judge over enough to reduce the sentence. Follow these tips to create a strong letter.
DO: Maintain Objectivity.
While you may be writing your letter on behalf of someone you care about, objectivity is crucial. In criminal cases, acknowledge any wrongdoing by the defendant and aim to show that the situation was out of character, thereby supporting a plea for a lighter sentence.
In civil cases, such as child custody, where there may not be any wrongdoing, focus on providing an honest, balanced view of the individual’s character and their ability to provide a stable, loving environment. Highlight positive traits and behaviors that are relevant to the case.
Example: David’s decision to drive under the influence was irresponsible and he deeply regrets his actions. Considering his prudent behavior, this lapse is truly out of character, and he has taken immediate steps to seek counseling and make amends.
DO: Make balanced and reasonable requests.
Show respect for the court’s authority by thoughtfully phrasing your recommendations. Acknowledge the judge’s capacity to evaluate the circumstances fairly and make an informed decision, rather than dictating terms or outcomes.
Example: I hope the court will consider John’s genuine remorse and positive contributions when deciding his sentence.
DON'T: Provide false or misleading information.
The judge will have clerks fact-checking information in character references and other court documents. False information can harm the defendant’s case and may be considered a forgery, placing you in trouble.
DON'T: Criticize the law, authorities, or victims.
Such remarks can be perceived as disrespectful and may undermine the credibility of your letter, resulting in a negative impact on the defendant’s case.
DON'T: Submit letters identical in content.
Each letter should offer unique insights and personal anecdotes that reflect different aspects of the defendant’s character. Identical letters can diminish the impact of your testimonies and suggest a lack of genuine personal knowledge and individual perspectives among the referees.
Character Reference Letter for Court Sample
Download our free character reference letter for court template, which we make available in PDF and Word formats.
CHARACTER REFERENCE LETTER FOR COURT
________________________________ [Referrer’s name]
________________________________ [Referrer’s address]
________________________________ [Referrer’s city, state, zip code]
_______________, 20_____
Dear ________________________ [Recipient’s name]/To whom it may concern,
My name is ________________________ [Referrer’s name], and I am writing to offer a character reference for ________________________ [Defendant’s name], whom I have had the privilege of knowing for ___________________ [Length of time] as ___________________ [Relation to applicant]. With their court proceedings concerning __________________________________________ [Description of legal case], Case Number: ________________________ [Optional case number], approaching, I am compelled to share my observations of their character based on our extensive interactions.
Throughout my acquaintance with ________________________ [Defendant’s name], they have consistently exhibited a character of integrity through their actions and contributions. A notable instance was their commitment to _________________________________________________ [Description of commitment], which underscored their ________________________ [Description of personal trait]. As a result of ________________________ [Defendant’s name]’s commendable effort, _________________________________________________ [Result of commitment]. Moreover, ________________________ [Defendant’s name] has demonstrated their ________________________ [Description of personal trait] through their dedication in _________________________________________________ [Description of commitment]. Thanks to them, _________________________________________________ [Result of commitment]. Furthermore, their contribution to _________________________________________________ [Description of commitment] has been a testament to their ________________________ [Description of personal trait]. Because of them, _________________________________________________ [Result of commitment]. The attributes ________________________ [Defendant’s name] has shown in these endeavors not only affirm their positive character and value to the community but also suggest that the accusations against them are uncharacteristic of their nature.
It is my sincere hope that the court takes this letter into consideration. Understanding the serious nature of these charges, it’s important to consider how the sentence could profoundly impact _________________ [Defendant’s name]. As a consequence, _______________________________________________ [Description of consequence]. Therefore, I respectfully request the court to consider a sentence that mitigates these effects while opening doors for rehabilitation. I am convinced that ________________________ [Defendant’s name] will view this situation as an opportunity for personal growth and with the right support and guidance, they will remain a constructive member of society.
Should you require any further information or wish to discuss this matter in more detail, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
____________________________________
________________________ [Referrer’s name]
________________________ [Referrer’s phone number]
________________________ [Referrer’s email]
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the writer’s character matter in court?
Yes, the writer’s character is important in a character reference letter for court. A writer with good standing and a reputable background lends significant weight to their statements. On the other hand, a writer with a questionable history may undermine the effectiveness of the letter and potentially negatively impact the defendant’s case.
Should I mail the character letter to a judge?
No, you should not mail the character reference letter directly to the judge. Instead, give the letter to the defendant’s attorney. The attorney will ensure that the letter meets any specific legal requirements and will include it with other official documents to be submitted to the court.
How many character reference letters can I use?
There is no strict limit. However, most defendants submit two to three character reference letters for court proceedings. Too many letters can be redundant and may dilute the impact of each individual testimony.
