When someone is facing a court trial, it’s common for their lawyer to request character statements. These statements are letters written by people who know the defendant and can attest to their character, behavior, and reputation. Character statements can help the judge or jury to gain a better understanding of the defendant and make a more informed decision.
Here are some tips on how to write a character statement for court:
Tips:
1. Be honest: It’s essential to be truthful in your letter. Don’t exaggerate or hide any negative aspects of the defendant’s character. If you know the defendant well, you should be able to provide an accurate assessment of their character.
2. Keep it brief: Your letter should be concise and to the point. Avoid rambling or elaborating too much. Stick to the main facts and keep it under two pages.
3. Use specific examples: Supporting your statements with examples of the defendant’s behavior or actions is a great way to make your letter more compelling. Use specific incidents that showcase the defendant’s character traits.
4. Edit and proofread: Make sure to read and reread your letter. Check for any spelling or grammar errors. You want to present yourself in the best possible light, so take the time to make sure your letter is well-written.
5. State your relationship: Begin your letter by stating how you know the defendant and the nature of your relationship. This will provide context for your letter and help the judge or jury understand your perspective.
6. End with a call to action: Close your letter by stating your opinion on whether or not the defendant is a good person and should be given a second chance. Provide a clear call to action, such as “I strongly urge you to consider giving [defendant’s name] a chance to prove themselves.”
If you’re unsure of how to structure your letter, there are many examples available online that you can use as a guide. It’s important to remember that every case is unique, so you should tailor your letter to the individual defendant and their circumstances.
Examples:
Character Statement for Court – DUI
Dear Judge Smith,
I am writing to provide a character statement for John Doe, who is facing charges of DUI. I have known John for 10 years, and he has always been a responsible and upstanding member of our community.
John is a dedicated father who has always put his children’s needs first. He is a reliable employee and has never missed a day of work. John is also an active volunteer in our local church and has contributed countless hours to helping those in need.
I strongly believe that John made a mistake by driving under the influence, but I don’t believe that this one mistake should define him. John is a good person who has always been respectful of the law and the community. I urge you to consider the totality of John’s character when making your decision.
Sincerely,
Jane Smith
Character Statement for Court – Assault
Dear Judge Johnson,
I am writing to provide a character statement for Sarah Brown, who is facing charges of assault. I have known Sarah for five years, and she has always been a kind and compassionate person.
Sarah is a dedicated mother who has done everything possible to provide for her children. She is a talented artist who has used her skills to help others in need. Sarah is also an active member of our community and has volunteered countless hours to local charities and organizations.
I was shocked to hear about the allegations against Sarah, as they are completely out of character for her. I believe that Sarah is a good person who made a mistake. I urge you to consider the totality of Sarah’s character when making your decision.
Respectfully,
Mark Jones
Character Statement for Court – Fraud
Dear Judge Davis,
I am writing to provide a character statement for Michael Smith, who is facing charges of fraud. I have known Michael for 15 years, and he has always been a honest and trustworthy person.
Michael is a successful businessman who has built his company from the ground up. He is a dedicated husband and father who has always put his family first. Michael is also an active member of our community and has donated generously to local charities and organizations.
I was surprised to hear about the allegations against Michael, as they go against everything I know about him. I believe that Michael is a good person who made a mistake. I urge you to consider the totality of Michael’s character when making your decision.
Sincerely,
Lisa Brown
Character Statement for Court – Theft
Dear Judge Lee,
I am writing to provide a character statement for James Green, who is facing charges of theft. I have known James for 20 years, and he has always been a reliable and honest person.
James is a dedicated father who has worked hard to provide for his family. He is a talented mechanic who has helped many people in our community with their cars. James is also an active member of our local church and has volunteered countless hours to helping those in need.
I don’t believe that James would ever intentionally steal from anyone. I think that this was a mistake and that he is truly sorry for what he has done. I urge you to consider the totality of James’s character when making your decision.
Respectfully,
Emily Liu
Character Statement for Court – Domestic Violence
Dear Judge Brown,
I am writing to provide a character statement for Maria Perez, who is facing charges of domestic violence. I have known Maria for 10 years, and she has always been a loving and caring person.
Maria is a dedicated mother who has done everything possible to provide for her children. She is a talented artist who has used her skills to help others in need. Maria is also an active member of our community and has volunteered countless hours to local charities and organizations.
I don’t believe that Maria would ever intentionally hurt someone she loves. I think that this was a mistake and that she is truly sorry for what she has done. I urge you to consider the totality of Maria’s character when making your decision.
Sincerely,
Tom Wilson
Character Statement for Court – Drug Possession
Dear Judge Garcia,
I am writing to provide a character statement for Alex Rodriguez, who is facing charges of drug possession. I have known Alex for five years, and he has always been a kind and hardworking person.
Alex is a talented musician who has used his skills to help others in need. He is a dedicated father who has done everything possible to provide for his family. Alex is also an active member of our community and has volunteered countless hours to local charities and organizations.
I don’t believe that Alex is a bad person or that he would ever intentionally harm anyone. He made a mistake and is truly sorry for what he has done. I urge you to consider the totality of Alex’s character when making your decision.
Respectfully,
Maria Hernandez
Frequently Asked Questions:
What should I include in a character statement for court?
A character statement for court should include your relationship to the defendant, specific examples of their character, and your opinion on whether or not they are a good person who deserves a second chance.
How long should a character statement be?
A character statement should be one to two pages long. It should be concise and to the point.
Should I include negative information in my character statement?
You should be honest in your character statement, but you should also focus on the positive aspects of the defendant’s character. If you have negative information to share, it should be relevant to the case.
Can I use a template for my character statement?
Yes, there are many templates available online that can provide guidance on how to structure your letter. However, you should tailor your letter to the individual defendant and their circumstances.
Who should I address my character statement to?
You should address your character statement to the judge who will be presiding over the case.
Can I submit my character statement electronically?
It depends on the court’s policies. Some courts allow electronic submissions, while others require paper copies. You should contact the court clerk to find out the preferred method of submission.
Conclusion:
Writing a character statement for court can be a powerful way to support someone in need. Remember to be honest, concise, and include specific examples of the defendant’s character. Tailor your letter to the individual defendant and their circumstances, and end with a clear call to action. With these tips and examples, you’ll be well on your way to writing a compelling character statement for court.