When a friend, family member, or colleague is called to testify in court, you may be asked to write a character witness letter. This type of letter can be a powerful tool in helping the judge and jury understand the type of person the defendant is and what kind of life they have lived. In this article, we will provide you with tips and examples of how to write a compelling character witness letter for court.
Tips for Writing a Character Witness Letter for Court Example
If you are asked to write a character witness letter for court, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Start with a title that clearly identifies the defendant and the purpose of the letter.
- State your relationship to the defendant and how long you have known them.
- Provide specific examples of the defendant’s character, work ethic, and any positive contributions they have made to society.
- Avoid making assumptions about the crime the defendant is accused of.
- Acknowledge any negative aspects of the defendant’s character or behavior but focus on the positive aspects.
Examples of Character Witness Letters for Court
Character Witness Letter for DUI
Dear Judge [Last Name],
I am writing this letter on behalf of [Defendant’s Name], who I have known for [Length of Time]. During that time, I have come to know [Defendant’s Name] as a responsible, hardworking, and kind-hearted individual.
Despite the recent DUI charge, I believe that [Defendant’s Name] is a good person who made a mistake. I know that [he/she] is taking steps to address the underlying issues that led to the DUI and has already completed [Rehabilitation Program/Community Service/etc.].
Thank you for your time and consideration of this letter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Character Witness Letter for Child Custody
Dear Judge [Last Name],
I am writing this letter on behalf of [Defendant’s Name], who I have known for [Length of Time] as a friend, neighbor, and parent. During that time, I have witnessed [Defendant’s Name’s] commitment to [his/her] children and [his/her] ability to provide a safe, stable, and loving home environment.
I know that [Plaintiff’s Name] has raised concerns about [Defendant’s Name’s] ability to provide for the children’s needs, but I want to assure the court that [he/she] is a dedicated and responsible parent who always puts their children first. I believe that [Defendant’s Name] is the best person to provide for the children’s physical, emotional, and educational needs.
Thank you for your time and consideration of this letter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Character Witness Letter for Forgery
Dear Judge [Last Name],
I am writing this letter on behalf of [Defendant’s Name], who I have known for [Length of Time]. During that time, I have come to know [Defendant’s Name] as a trustworthy, reliable, and honest individual.
Although I was surprised to learn of the forgery charges, I believe that [Defendant’s Name] is a good person who made a mistake. I know that [he/she] takes full responsibility for [his/her] actions and is actively seeking to make amends for any harm caused.
Thank you for your time and consideration of this letter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Character Witness Letter for Assault
Dear Judge [Last Name],
I am writing this letter on behalf of [Defendant’s Name], who I have known for [Length of Time]. During that time, I have come to know [Defendant’s Name] as a kind, peaceful, and non-violent person.
Although I was shocked to hear about the assault charges, I do not believe that [Defendant’s Name] is capable of such violence. I think that there must be some mistake or misunderstanding, as this behavior is completely out of character for [him/her].
Thank you for your time and consideration of this letter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Character Witness Letter for Drug Possession
Dear Judge [Last Name],
I am writing this letter on behalf of [Defendant’s Name], who I have known for [Length of Time]. During that time, I have come to know [Defendant’s Name] as a responsible, hardworking, and honest individual.
Although I was surprised to hear about the drug possession charges, I believe that [Defendant’s Name] is a good person who made a mistake. I know that [he/she] is taking steps to address the underlying issues that led to the drug use and has already completed [Rehabilitation Program/Community Service/etc.].
Thank you for your time and consideration of this letter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Character Witness Letter for Embezzlement
Dear Judge [Last Name],
I am writing this letter on behalf of [Defendant’s Name], who I have known for [Length of Time]. During that time, I have come to know [Defendant’s Name] as a trustworthy, responsible, and dedicated employee.
Although I was shocked to hear about the embezzlement charges, I do not believe that [Defendant’s Name] is capable of such dishonesty. [He/She] has always been a model employee who consistently goes above and beyond to ensure the success of the company.
Thank you for your time and consideration of this letter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Character Witness Letter for Sentencing
Dear Judge [Last Name],
I am writing this letter on behalf of [Defendant’s Name], who I have known for [Length of Time]. During that time, I have come to know [Defendant’s Name] as a kind, compassionate, and generous individual.
Although I understand the severity of the crime that [Defendant’s Name] has been convicted of, I want to emphasize that [he/she] has taken full responsibility for [his/her] actions and is committed to making things right. [He/She] is truly remorseful for the harm that has been caused and is willing to do whatever it takes to make amends.
Thank you for your time and consideration of this letter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions About Character Witness Letters for Court
What Should I Include in a Character Witness Letter for Court?
A character witness letter for court should include a title that identifies the defendant and the purpose of the letter, your relationship to the defendant, specific examples of the defendant’s character and positive contributions to society, and your signature and contact information.
How Long Should a Character Witness Letter for Court Be?
A character witness letter for court should be around 300 words long and should contain specific examples of the defendant’s character and positive contributions to society.
What Should I Avoid Including in a Character Witness Letter for Court?
You should avoid making assumptions about the crime the defendant is accused of, focusing too much on the negative aspects of the defendant’s character or behavior, or making unsupported claims about the defendant’s character.
Can I Edit Examples of Character Witness Letters for Court?
Yes, you can use the examples provided in this article as a starting point and edit them as needed to fit your specific situation and relationship with the defendant.
Do I Need to Include Specific Legal Language in a Character Witness Letter for Court?
No, you do not need to include specific legal language in a character witness letter for court, but you should make sure that the letter is respectful and professional in tone.
Who Should I Address the Character Witness Letter for Court To?
You should address the character witness letter for court to the judge who will be presiding over the case.
Conclusion
A character witness letter for court can be a powerful tool in helping the judge and jury understand the type of person the defendant is and what kind of life they have lived. By following the tips and examples provided in this article, you can write a compelling character witness letter that helps the court make an informed decision.