What do you say in a character letter to a judge?

• Coworker.
• Co-volunteer or volunteer leader.
• Coach.
• Client or customer.
• Vendor or business acquaintance.
• Professor or academic advisor.
• Personal or professional mentor.
• Fellow student or graduate from an educational program.

• Your name, your complete legal name.
• Your relationship to the person you are writing on behalf of.
• Only the good points about the person-do not disparage the person in any way.
• Acknowledge the seriousness of the charge.

Do judges read letters sent to them?

Remember that judges read hundreds of letters. The easier you make it for the judge to read, the most likely the judge will be able to focus on the message you are trying to convey. For most people, a typed letter is more legible than a handwritten one.

Do judges care about character letters?

If you are found guilty of a crime by a jury or if you plead guilty to a criminal offense, a judge will look at the facts of the case as well as your criminal history in determining a sentence. One element that can often be helpful during sentencing is a character letter.

Does character matter in court?

According to California Evidence Code 1101 EC, the prosecutor generally may not give “character evidence” against you. This means the prosecution isn't allowed to use your past bad actions or crimes as proof that you committed this particular crime.

What should be included in a character reference?

What are the best things to say to a judge?

In most cases it is important to say "Yes, your honor" or "No, your honor." Using "your honor" is the easiest way to show respect and avoid offending your judge. Do not simply nod your head to answer a question. Maintain your composure. If you start to lose your temper or get angry, ask the judge for a brief recess.

Does writing a letter to the judge help?

These letters can be a very important part of the sentencing process because they help the judge get to know the person they are sentencing in ways other than just the facts of the offense: The letter should be addressed to the Judge, but mailed to the defendant's attorney.

What is the best way to close a letter to a judge?

Just like any other letter, you will want to close your letter to a judge with a “thank you” or “sincerely” and sign your name. Below your signature, you should also print your name in case your signature is illegible. You should also include a way for the judge to contact you.

What is an example of a good character reference letter?

Example #1:

In all the time I have known John, I've always been impressed by his character. He is an honest and trustworthy person who always goes out of his way to help others succeed. He works in our tech department and I've seen him help members on our team solve complex IT issues.

How do you write a character statement?

An effective character statement focuses on specifics. It can't be a rambling, general statement that "John is one of the nicest guys I have ever met". It must directly describe traits that support the person's character and counters the alleged bad behavior.

What are 2 examples of reference point?

Objects that are fixed relative to Earth – such as a building, a tree, or a sign - make good reference points.

What is evidence of good character?

When character evidence is admissible, Rule 405 says that “it may be proved by testimony about the person's reputation or by testimony in the form of an opinion.” It may not proved through evidence of specific events that illustrate the character trait in action.

What are some examples of character evidence?

For example, in a fraud case, the criminal defendant is may call witnesses to testify that he's an honest person. In a trial for a violent crime such as homicide, battery, or assault, he may bring witnesses to testify that he's a peaceful person. Note, though, that the character evidence still must be relevant.

What makes someone a bad judge of character?

This person might be overly trusting or naïve, or have a hard time reading social cues and body language, or maybe they're just dimwitted in general. They could also be too closed off to hear other characters' warnings about the bad guy's true nature.

What not to write in a character letter?

You should never include information you know to be untrue and lying to the court is an offence in itself. A reference should be limited to giving positive affirmations of the person facing charges, and shouldn't make any suggestions as to the penalty you believe the accused should be given.

Do judges read letters from family members?

Yes! Your loved one's attorney can submit letters of support to the judge for them to consider before sentencing. These letters should highlight positive attributes of the defendant and help the court to get to know the defendant outside of their criminal charge.

What character traits should a judge have?

Theorizing about the good judge posits that a good judge should be knowledgeable about how personality relates to behavior, have high levels of cognitive ability and general intelligence, and be motivated to be accurate, among other characteristics (Funder, 1995; 1999).

What not to tell a judge?

Do Not Exaggerate, Mislead, or State Anything Untrue. It goes without saying that you should never lie to a judge (that is perjury), but you should also avoid exaggerating the facts or misleading the court about any issue. Most judges can sense when a witness is stretching the truth, and they do not appreciate it.

Do character references help in sentencing?

These letters have strong potential to influence the judge, and may have significant impact on the ultimate sentence imposed on a defendant in a criminal case. An effective character reference letter has as its main goal to help the judge understand the defendant as an individual, outside of the criminal conviction.

What happens when you write a letter to a judge?

All written information will be reviewed by the judge's judicial assistant to determine if it is appropriate for the judge's review. ALWAYS INCLUDE YOUR CASE NUMBER, THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES, AND YOUR NAME, ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER.