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Letter to judge, where to start?

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Melody

Member since
March 2020

26 posts

Posted Wed November 25, 2020 3:24pmReport post

My husband (seperated) is going to magistrates court soon . I've seen lots of people on here mention that they have written letters to the judge.

What sort of thing do you say and how long does it need to be? Does it help? How many letters do they need?

Thanks

Whatwhywhenhow?

Member since
October 2020

29 posts

Posted Wed November 25, 2020 3:36pmReport post

Hi Melody,

I did a character reference for the crown court for my partner. Is that what you mean? He's not been sentenced yet so I don't know how it will help but his solicitors say that they will have some weight to them.

This is the suggested questions my partner was asked to pass on to whoever he wanted to do a reference.



Where it says 'you' it referenced to the offender

How long they have known you

How they know you

What opinion they have of youWhether the offending behaviour was typical of you or out of character

Whether they know of any difficulties in your background that might have affected your behaviour.

Whether they have seen any changes or improvements in your life since the offence.

Hope that helps. There is no word limit.

Edited Wed November 25, 2020 3:37pm

majestictopaz15

Member since
December 2019

371 posts

Posted Wed November 25, 2020 4:27pmReport post

I did one for my partner and he had a few Friends do the same. The structure above is right. Also to note it isn't an opportunity to express what you think they deserve as a sentence etc. It is just to provide a background to the before, during and after the offending. Also helps show of they have a support network and that they have been honest with people close to them.

It wasn't confirmed whether the letters made any difference in the sentencing decision but my partner did get a suspended sentence with community hours. I wrote a page. Kept it short and sweet, especially since my partner submitted five letters

Edited Wed November 25, 2020 4:27pm

Christine_123

Member since
April 2020

190 posts

Posted Thu November 26, 2020 11:10amReport post

Sorry to jump on can you do this in Scotland