Tips for Writing an Effective Character LetterAddress Your Letter to the Judge. ... Establish a Clear Relationship with the Defendant. ... Be Truthful. ... Be Positive. ... Include a Discussion of the Crime. ... Do Not Suggest Penalties for the Crime.
How to write a character reference letterStart 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.
Character letters should include your name, mailing address, phone number and email address so that the court can verify your information. They should be addressed either to the Honorable [FIRST NAME] [LAST NAME] or Judge [FIRST NAME] [LAST NAME].
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.
An effective character statement focuses on specifics. It can't be a rambling, general statement that "John is one of the nicest guys I have ever met". It must directly describe traits that support the person's character and counters the alleged bad behavior.
How to write a reference letter for a friendConfirm you're the appropriate person to give a reference. ... Ask for details about the job opportunity. ... Discover your friend's goals and objectives. ... Highlight the status of your relationship. ... Give examples of your friend's skills and qualifications. ... Make emphasis on their growth.More items...•
The Six Pillars of Character are trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship.
Close the reference letter by urging the reader to look favorably upon the subject of the letter. Sign it "Sincerely, [your name]." Keep the character reference letter short. The readers don't need page after page of information on a character reference.
Begin by telling the judge when you first met the defendant and how long you have known them. This establishes your history and relationship. Continue the statement by listing examples of any good deeds that the defendant has completed in the past.
You can have as many character references as you want. Two or three character references are ideal. One page is a good length for a character reference. The person writing your character reference is known as a referee.