Family and Friends Forum

App as I understood it sometimes a character reference or victim statement isn't took into account - it depends on the strength of conviction according to the evidence and judges decision. So I believe, could be wrong....

A judge isn't obliged to read the character references, no, but it costs nothing to submit and like in our case the judge mentioned that she had read them twice and they influenced her decision not to send my partner to prison, so worth doing imo.

To answer your question, there's lots of templates online for criminal character references. Just include your name, credentials, how long you've known your friend. Then state that you are aware of the offences, when they told you and how they've kept you updated throughout. Mention what they've done to show remorse and rehabilitate and how you'll support them. Then mention what they are like as a person so charitable etc. All ours were around one side of paper, 12pt font.

Oh I see....

I was asked to write one and by all accounts was taken massively into account. I must admit I was wary of if it would do any good, I didn't know what to say but I ended up going factual. It sounded quite cold reading it back but it was the truth, no embellishments etc.



How I knew him, his personality, our childhood, our relationship, how I felt etc. I don't think there is any right or wrong way if it's the truth.

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