How to write a character letter to a judge who is doing the sentencing?
You may request your friend [if you’re the subject] or you state your friend’s character [if it’s him/her is the subject]. See sample below. To Whom it May Concern: I have had the pleasure of knowing Katherine Kingston for eight years. During the years of our acquaintance, I have known Katherine in many capacities. She has been my Mother’s Helper since the birth of my first child five years ago. Her responsibilities in that capacity have grown with the activity level of a now pre-schooler, and the addition of another child, now a toddler. She has also been my riding student, and assisted me with the many tasks required to run a thoroughbred breeding facility. She has spent several summers working on the farm, as well as time during school vacations, after school, and weekends. Katherine is an intelligent, capable, dedicated, and personable young woman. She is always quick on her feet, with sensible reactions in all the circumstances I’ve seen her in. I feel confident in saying that she
This is in Canada, but if you are in the US this will also serve a guideline for you. How to Write a Character Reference Letter for Use on Sentencing in Canada If you are pleading guilty or are found guilty of a criminal offence in Canada, your lawyer may ask you to obtain 5 or 6 character reference letters for use on sentencing from people who know your general character and reputation in the community. The object of course is to convince the Judge (and perhaps the Crown Attorney) that you are a fine upstanding citizen in the community, that you feel terrible remorse for what you have done, and that the wrongful behaviour will never be repeated. I suggest approaching long-time family friends, a pastor or priest, a sports coach, fellow employees or an employer, and leaders of community and cultural organizations of which you are a member. You will need to be truthful and tell them the whole story of what happened. They need to know your version of the events and the victim’s version to
Some Guidelines: The main goal of your letters to the judge is to impress upon the defendant’s character, his ability to be rehabilitated, and the support mechanisms that will exist for him upon his release from prison. Some things you might write about include: * Your relationship to the defendant- how you met, how you know him, and how long you’ve known him. * Examples of his character that you have personally experienced, his reputation in the community, and anything important about his character that you think is relevant to his release. * How you personally will be able to help him return to a normal life upon his release from prison, whether it is through helping him to pursue his education, gain employment, or establish a home. * Anything relevant to his rehabilitation you have heard from him personally in the past year – discussions he may have had about going back to school, what his plans are for work when he gets out of prison etc. * Examples, from your personal knowledge, o
The letter (but not the envelope) should be addressed to: Honorable Insert 3 United States District Judge 1100 Commerce Street Dallas, TX 75242 The proper manner of addressing the Judge is “Your Honor” or “Dear Judge Insert 6.” The letter should refer to Insert 2 by name either between the address and the salutation or in the first sentence. The letter should also contain your return address and the date. Generally, the letter should be between one and three pages long. As to content of the letter, we want to be able to show the Judge the many positive aspects of Insert 2’s character and background. Attached to this Memorandum is a brief outline that you can use to help you with your letter. Of course, it is important that you write your own letter in your own words. You should identify in the letter how you know Insert 2 and for how long. It might be good to include, from personal experience, a specific and heartwarming example of Insert 2’s generous, kind, and/or loving character. A
