This is considered official correspondence, regardless of the circumstances that led you to write this letter. It is important to keep in mind that you may need to sign additional documents or even make a physical statement to the court about the authenticity of these letters. Therefore, certain requirements will have to be met. The first of these will be a positive and clear identification of the author. This task should be done in the upper-left corner of the first page. Enter your full name, home address, city, state, and zip code. This address must appear as a postal address on an envelope. Note: Do not use a P.O. Box number, it must be a physical address. The recipient of this letter should know when the letter was written. If this letter is written for an accused awaiting conviction, this is particularly important. Enter the current date by writing the month, then entering the two-digit calendar day and the four-digit year. In general, it is a good idea to note the subject of this letter immediately in the title.
The lawyer representing the subject of this letter may have preferences in this regard, so be sure to contact them. In some cases, the format may be last name, first name, file number, while in other cases, it may be the file number first and still others simply the file number or name. In our example, we use the full name. If possible, write the character reference on the official letterhead. You must also include your position or qualifications, if applicable. The title must also refer to a subject line or include a subject line indicating the case number or the name of the acknowledgement. This helps the court attach the letter to the case or easily identify who the reprimand confirms. The nature of the case may also be indicated in the subject line. This helps the court identify the type of case for which the arbitrator is writing the letter. However, the arbitrator cannot write the information in the subject line without consulting the respondent`s lawyer about the information he or she wishes to provide. Be specific and add details.
Instead of just calling the accused good, responsible, reliable or respected in general; Give examples that show the judge or magistrate why the person fits these characterizations. Why do you say the accused is reliable? Have there been cases where the accused has clearly demonstrated a sense of responsibility? How has the person helped others? Indicate whether the charge is a first offence. This is very important. There is no need to write a character reference for the court that characterizes the crime as “atypical” if the defendant has already done so. Be very careful when discussing the facts of a case in detail, and if you do, be sure to first read the summary of facts that will be read to the judge or judge. In general, a person who is at the mercy of the judge or jury and does not need to provide additional evidence would want to present an excellent character letter to convince the judge or jury to be a little considerate in his decision against the accused. This is usually in cases of detention and other cases such as driving under the influence of alcohol and more. Any person under the control of the court may ask the court to consider a letter of good character in order to act on his behalf. Start all legal references with “Your Honour”.
Provide this as soon as possible and in good time before the hearing date. The lawyer must first review the reference and decide whether or not to use it. When reviewing the reference, a defense attorney may also learn more about the defendant, which can be helpful in court. Because you know that the person has positive qualities. Not everyone may know someone`s good qualities, especially the judge or judge. A character reference should convey the many positive qualities of the accused. Did the defendant work on a voluntary basis? Does the accused care for the sick? Or maybe the defendant is a coach of a junior football team and is highly admired by all members of the team. Explain this to the magistrate or judge by quoting certain details that paint a clearer picture of a person`s life. The judge/magistrate is responsible for determining the sentence imposed on the accused; Therefore, the arbitrator should avoid such suggestions. The arbitrator should focus only on providing information that may compel the court to rule in favour of the accused. The adjudicator must also provide details of his or her relationship with the accused. He/she should make statements about the type of relationship they share and how long they have been connected.
This will show the court that the statements in the rest of the letter are based on the defendant`s background with the defendant and their submissions. Adjudicators may also make a brief statement expressing their belief about the accused. No matter how and when these character letters are provided to the prosecutor, there is no doubt that good character letters can help the prosecutor better understand you as a person, and why it would be appropriate for him to consider reducing the criminal charges you now face. Such letters can also help the prosecutor understand how a criminal conviction will disproportionately affect you. In other words, character letters can help a prosecutor understand how the interests of the judiciary are best served by reducing charges. If there are other issues relevant to the case or that may help to force the court to rule in favour of the defendant or to show leniency in sentencing, the adjudicator must mention this. If you plan to ask a specific “question” at the end of your letter, make sure you understand the possible penalties for the crime in question. In Kentucky, there are mandatory minimum sentences for certain crimes, such as repeat offenders. Check with the lawyer before asking for a specific penalty to maintain your credibility as a writer. General information – Character letters should also include a summary of the perpetrator`s understanding, including their knowledge of the charges you are facing.
This article could read as follows; Jason recently told me that he is charged with child endangerment for impaired driving. He also told me that he had already been arrested for MIP in 2001 while living in MSU dormitories. A character reference letter for the court is important because it gives a direct insight into what a person is, often in a way that no lawyer – no matter how well – can explain. The arbitrator must provide context on the potential impact of an adverse verdict on the defendant or his or her family. For example, the arbitrator may indicate how a defendant may be affected if custody of their child is removed by the court. This will help show the court that the outcome of the case has profound implications for the life of the accused. When addressing your letter, do not address the letter to “who it may affect” or “judge”. You should also avoid sending your letter directly to the court. How long the letter should be – again, there are no hard and fast rules, but try to be sensitive to the time of the judge or prosecutor. A rough rule of thumb is no longer than one page, with a one-inch margin and a 12-point font.