CHARACTER REFERENCE LETTER REQUEST

Instructions for Defense Counsel

This packet should be provided to individuals willing to write character reference letters on behalf of the defendant. It includes instructions for the letter writer, guidelines for content, and a template they may use or adapt.

SECTION A: REQUEST LETTER FROM DEFENSE COUNSEL

Date: ____________________________________________________

To: ______________________________________________________

Address: _________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________

Re: Character Reference Letter for [Defendant Name]

Case Number: _____________________________________________

Dear __________________________:

Thank you for agreeing to provide a character reference letter on behalf of [Defendant Name]. Your support during this difficult time is greatly appreciated.

[Defendant Name] is facing sentencing in a criminal matter. Character reference letters help the Judge understand who the defendant is as a person beyond the circumstances of the case. Your letter may have a meaningful impact on the sentence imposed.

Please review the following guidelines carefully:

What to Include:

☐ Your full name and contact information

☐ How you know the defendant and for how long

☐ Specific examples of the defendant's positive character traits

☐ Any personal knowledge of the defendant's background, challenges, or growth

☐ Why you believe the defendant deserves leniency

☐ Your willingness to support the defendant's rehabilitation

What NOT to Include:

☐ Do NOT discuss the facts of the case or express opinions about guilt/innocence

☐ Do NOT make legal arguments

☐ Do NOT criticize the victim, witnesses, or the justice system

☐ Do NOT exaggerate or include anything untrue

☐ Do NOT include confidential information without permission

Letter Specifications:

☐ Length: 1-2 pages recommended

☐ Format: Typed, professional appearance

☐ Addressed to: The Honorable [Judge Name]

☐ Deadline for submission: _________________________________

Submission Instructions:

☐ Email to: _________________________________________________

☐ Mail to: __________________________________________________

☐ Hand deliver to: __________________________________________

If you have any questions, please contact me at [Phone/Email].

Sincerely,

_____________________________________________________________
Attorney for [Defendant Name]

SECTION B: GUIDELINES FOR CHARACTER REFERENCE LETTER WRITERS

Purpose of Your Letter

Your letter will help the Judge understand:

☐ Who the defendant is as a person

☐ The defendant's positive qualities and contributions

☐ The impact incarceration would have on the defendant and others

☐ Why the defendant deserves a chance at rehabilitation

Effective Letters Include:

1. Personal Connection

☐ How did you meet the defendant?

☐ How long have you known them?

☐ In what capacity (family, friend, employer, colleague, neighbor, etc.)?

2. Specific Examples

☐ Describe specific instances that demonstrate good character

☐ Share stories that show who the defendant really is

☐ Mention acts of kindness, responsibility, or growth you have witnessed

3. Positive Character Traits

☐ Work ethic
☐ Honesty
☐ Compassion
☐ Reliability
☐ Family dedication
☐ Community involvement
☐ Generosity
☐ Other: ___________________________________________________

4. Context and Challenges

☐ What challenges has the defendant overcome?

☐ What circumstances may have contributed to their situation?

☐ How have they grown or changed?

5. Support and Future

☐ What support are you willing to provide?

☐ Why do you believe the defendant can be rehabilitated?

☐ What positive contributions can the defendant make?

Tips for an Effective Letter:

☐ Be honest - courts can recognize insincerity

☐ Be specific - vague praise is less persuasive than concrete examples

☐ Be respectful - address the Judge formally

☐ Be concise - quality matters more than quantity

☐ Be personal - form letters are less effective

☐ Proofread carefully - errors diminish credibility

SECTION C: SAMPLE CHARACTER REFERENCE LETTER TEMPLATE

[Date]

The Honorable [Judge's Full Name]
[Court Name]
[Court Address]
[City, State ZIP]

Re: Character Reference for [Defendant's Full Name]
Case Number: [Case Number]

Dear Judge [Last Name]:

Introduction

I am writing to provide a character reference for [Defendant Name] in connection with their upcoming sentencing. My name is [Your Full Name], and I am a [Your Occupation]. I have known [Defendant] for [Number] years as their [Relationship: friend/employer/neighbor/family member/etc.].

Personal Knowledge and Relationship

[Describe how you met and the nature of your relationship. Be specific about the contexts in which you have interacted with the defendant.]

Example: "I first met [Defendant] in [Year] when [circumstances]. Since then, I have had the opportunity to observe them in [various contexts]."

Character Observations

[Describe specific positive character traits you have observed. Provide concrete examples.]

Example: "I have always known [Defendant] to be [trait]. For instance, [specific example demonstrating this trait]."

☐ Trait 1 with example: _____________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

☐ Trait 2 with example: _____________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

☐ Trait 3 with example: _____________________________________
_____________________________________________________________

Understanding of Circumstances (Optional)

[If appropriate, acknowledge that you understand the defendant is facing serious charges while still supporting them as a person.]

Example: "While I understand that [Defendant] must face the consequences of their actions, I believe their conduct in this matter is not reflective of the person I have known for [years]."

Impact and Support

[Describe the impact incarceration would have and what support you can offer.]

Example: "A lengthy period of incarceration would significantly impact [Defendant]'s [family/children/elderly parents/etc.]. I am committed to supporting [Defendant]'s rehabilitation by [specific ways you will help]."

Request for Leniency

[Make a respectful request for the court's consideration.]

Example: "I respectfully ask that you consider [Defendant]'s positive qualities and potential for rehabilitation when determining an appropriate sentence. I believe [Defendant] can become a productive member of society with the right guidance and opportunity."

Conclusion

Thank you for taking the time to consider this letter. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please do not hesitate to contact me.

Respectfully submitted,

_____________________________________________________________
[Your Signature]

[Your Printed Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email Address]

SECTION D: CHECKLIST FOR DEFENSE COUNSEL

Letter Collection

☐ Identify potential character witnesses

☐ Contact witnesses and explain the process

☐ Provide this packet to each witness

☐ Set clear deadlines for submission

☐ Follow up with witnesses as needed

☐ Review all letters before submission

☐ Redact any inappropriate content

☐ Organize letters for court submission

Categories of Witnesses to Consider

☐ Family members (spouse, parents, siblings, adult children)

☐ Employers (current and former)

☐ Coworkers and colleagues

☐ Teachers, professors, or mentors

☐ Religious or spiritual leaders

☐ Community organization leaders

☐ Neighbors

☐ Long-time friends

☐ Treatment providers (with appropriate releases)

☐ Volunteer coordinators

☐ Military colleagues or supervisors

Quality Control Checklist

☐ Letter is addressed to the correct Judge

☐ Case number is included

☐ Writer's contact information is complete

☐ Letter does not discuss case facts inappropriately

☐ Letter does not attack victims or the system

☐ Letter is honest and accurate

☐ Letter is professionally formatted

☐ Letter has been proofread

SECTION E: TRACKING LOG

This template supports the defendant's Sixth Amendment right to effective assistance of counsel in presenting mitigating evidence at sentencing, consistent with Strickland v. Washington, 466 U.S. 668 (1984).