Magistrates and character reference
Notifications OFF
Hi, my ex has been to magistrates for his plea and all agreed it could be dealt with at magistrates rather than crown court. He goes back to magistrates to be sentenced in May. Is this a good thing?
Also I have said I will provide a character reference but no idea what to write. The solicitor just said don't mention the offences just write about how he is as a dad...any thought what to include?
thanks x
Also I have said I will provide a character reference but no idea what to write. The solicitor just said don't mention the offences just write about how he is as a dad...any thought what to include?
thanks x
Hi,
It is a good thing in the sense that Magistrates have limited sentencing powers so the sentence is likely to be short and/or non-custodial.
In terms of what to write in the character reference...it's such a personal thing and only you know what his best qualities are. If you were describing him to someone who doesn't know him, what would you say?
x
It is a good thing in the sense that Magistrates have limited sentencing powers so the sentence is likely to be short and/or non-custodial.
In terms of what to write in the character reference...it's such a personal thing and only you know what his best qualities are. If you were describing him to someone who doesn't know him, what would you say?
x
They like to know that things that are relevant to their decision, e.g. that it was out of character, how he has changed since the offences, what your family situation would be and what he contributes to the family whether financially or otherwise. Don't feel pressured into including anything you aren't happy with.
As Loveactually states the sentencing powers of magistrates are much more limited than those of judges in crown court. Whilst they have the full range of fines and community orders available to them the maximum custodial sentence they can impose for a single offence is six months.