Free Character Reference Letter for Court (Template and Examples) – Word

Many presiding judges like to take into account the personality and character of the defendant before making a judgment. This information can be collected from people who know the defendant well, such as close friends, family members, coworkers, employers, and religious leaders, and is done through these parties sending the judge a character reference letter.

What Is a Character Reference Letter for Court?

A character reference letter for court is a document prepared by a close associate of the defendant in an ongoing case and sent to the judge to attest to the defendant’s reputation and moral quality. It is commonly used in child custody and drunk driving cases but may also be useful in other cases where such testimony could help the defendant get leniency.

The main purpose of this character reference letter is to convince the judge that the defendant acted out of is innocent or acted out of character and should be pardoned because of the position they hold in the community or the lives of loved ones.

Who Should You Select to Write Your Letter?

While anyone can write a reference letter, as with any reference letter, it is best to choose a writer who has had meaningful and significant contact with the defendant and can testify to their good character. Some people who may be perfect for this task include:

• A friend – Preferably one who has known you for a long time.
• A close family member – Close family such as your siblings or parents likely knows you better than anyone and may offer the best recommendation.
• An immediate relative – Anyone other than your parents and siblings who can vouch for you.
• A coworker, especially someone in a managerial position.
• A close associate such as a fellow church member, someone you volunteer with at a cause, or anyone with whom you interact that can write a reference for you.

Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Cases

DUI cases are treated with a high level of seriousness in the United States. If the defendant pleads or is found guilty, the best reference may come from a close family member or employer, who can demonstrate that jail time will harm other people in the family or community too.

Child Custody Cases

The main argument in a character reference letter for a child custody case is that the subject is a good parent and a positive influence on the child. The best writer – while it may be a friend or relative – is usually a psychiatrist who has worked with both the parent and the child.

How to Write a Character Reference Letter for Court

A Character Reference Letter for Court should be no longer than one page, but should not lack convincing power. The following is everything you should include in your message.

Introduction

This segment comes right after the sender and recipient addresses, date, subject line, and proper salutation (the recipient may be addressed as ‘Hon. {Judge’s Name}’ or ‘To the Presiding Judge, {Court Name}’). The introduction should:

• Introduce you to the judge.
• Inform the judge of the nature and duration of your relationship with the subject.
• State your intention for writing e.g. to ask for leniency.
• Explain why you feel the need to write this reference letter.

Body

The body, which could be divided into two or three short paragraphs, should expound on the argument made in the introduction. The aim is to show the subject in a positive light and asses their good character and moral code. Depending on who you are and the type of case, you may argue that:

• The defendant is crucial to the workplace and should be shown leniency.
• The defendant is an important part of the community.
• The defendant is the main breadwinner in the family.
• The defendant is a good person and made a genuine mistake.
• The defendant being appointed as the custodial parent is in the best interest of the child.

Conclusion

Finally, the conclusion should recap and restate your intention for writing and plead with the court once more to consider leniency. You may also offer your contact information in case the judge has any follow-up questions. Close with your full name and signature.

Sample Character Reference Letter for a DUI (Drink Driving)

5 May 2031

Re: Character Reference Letter for Melanie Robert

To the Presiding Judge, New York Law Courts,

I, Nicholas Hubert, am writing on behalf of Melanie Robert who has been charged before your court with a DUI. Mrs. Robert is my employee at ABC Company, where she works as an Account Manager and it is my intent to plead with you that you show her leniency.

While it is true that Mrs. Robert committed the offence, this is the first time it has ever happened. She is a very responsible and gentle woman with no criminal record whatsoever. During her free time, she volunteers at the Sinai Shelter, where everyone loves her.

From a conversation with Mrs. Robert, I understand that she was forced to drive in that state to answer a distress call from one of her neighbors. I hope the court considers this when handling her case.

I am available to answer any questions through nickhubert@email.com.

Sincerely,

Nicholas Hubert

Sample Character Reference Letter for Family Court (Child Custody)

5 May 2031

Re: Character Reference Letter for Jacob Doyle

To the Presiding Judge, New Jersey Family Court,

I am writing on behalf of Jacob Doyle, my friend of 16 years, to recommend him for custody of his 7-year old daughter Grace Doyle, in the divorce case: Rebecca Vs. Jacob.

As mentioned, I have known Jacob for a very long time. I am confident, from my interactions with him and Grace, that he is an exemplary, caring, and attentive parent.

Jacob is the Operations Supervisor in the local New Jersey Community Outreach Program. Despite his passion for helping other people and how much of his time it takes, he has never missed a football game, parent-teacher day, or picnic.

Grace is very happy when her father is around and I am confident that Jacob will always act in the child’s best interest. It is my hope that you will rule in his favor.

Sincerely,

Rebecca Fay

Sample Character Reference Letter for Court (for Family Member)

5 May 2031

Re: Character Reference Letter for Griffin Park

To the Presiding Judge, Georgia Law Courts,

I am writing on behalf of my husband, Griffin Park, who has been charged in your court with a minor count of assault for punching a Mr. Hyde on 12 April 2031. Griffin is normally a very calm man and such an event has never happened before.

On the day of the incident, my husband was under significant stress. He had just received news that his mother’s latest wave of chemotherapy was unsuccessful. This stress was exacerbated when Mr. Hyde insulted me while we were walking to the store.

My husband is a very kind man, a teacher at the local high school, and a part-time volunteer at the animal shelter. I am pleading with your court to show him leniency.

You can contact me at philispark@email.com if I can be of further assistance.

Sincerely,

Phillis Park

---

Character Reference Letter for Court Templates

Character Reference Letter for Court Templates are editable letter formats written in the style and language of a character reference letter. You can download and fill them out with your information to come up with a customized and relevant reference letter for court.

A character reference letter for court is an official document that will likely be read by a judge and one who is in charge of the defendant’s case. When drafting it, you want to be as truthful, straightforward, and convincing as possible. Give a glowing recommendation of the subject’s true character and help the reader see why the defendant is important to you.