How to Write a Character Reference for Court (2025 Guide)
Someone you know is facing court and has asked you to write a character reference. You want to help, but you're not sure what to write or how to structure it.
A well-written character reference can genuinely influence the outcome. It helps the judge or magistrate see the defendant as a person — not just a case number — and can be a factor in sentencing decisions.
This guide explains exactly what to include, what to avoid, and how to format your letter so the court takes it seriously.
Why character references matter: Courts consider character references as part of mitigation — reasons to impose a lighter sentence. A strong reference from someone who knows the defendant well can help tip the balance towards a non-custodial sentence, a shorter term, or a suspended sentence.
What Is a Character Reference?
A character reference is a letter to the court from someone who knows the defendant personally. It's designed to give the judge or magistrate insight into the defendant's character, background, and circumstances — things they wouldn't otherwise know.
Character references are used in:
- Sentencing hearings — after a guilty plea or conviction, before the sentence is decided
- Custody cases — in family court proceedings
- Bail applications — to show the defendant has community ties
- Appeals — to support grounds for reducing a sentence
Who Can Write a Character Reference?
Anyone who knows the defendant personally can write a character reference. The court values references from people who can speak from genuine experience.
| Good choices | Why they work |
|---|---|
| Employer or manager | Shows reliability, work ethic, and that a job is at stake |
| Religious leader | Demonstrates community involvement and moral grounding |
| Teacher or mentor | Speaks to potential and positive development |
| Long-term friend | Can describe character over many years |
| Family member | Can explain impact on dependents (use carefully — courts know family is biased) |
| Colleague | Professional perspective on day-to-day behaviour |
| Neighbour | Community perspective, helpful if defendant is involved locally |
Multiple references help: If several people can write references, that's more persuasive than one. Three or four strong references from different areas of the defendant's life paint a fuller picture.
What to Include
A good character reference should cover these elements:
1. Your details
Start with your full name, address, and contact details. The court may want to verify the reference is genuine.
2. Your relationship to the defendant
Explain how you know them, in what capacity, and for how long. This establishes why your opinion matters.
"I have known [Name] for twelve years. We first met when our children attended the same primary school, and our families have remained close friends ever since."
3. Their positive character traits
Describe the defendant's good qualities with specific examples. Don't just say they're "kind" — show it.
"[Name] is one of the most reliable people I know. When my mother was ill last year, he drove her to hospital appointments three times a week for two months, refusing any payment."
4. Acknowledgement of the situation
Briefly acknowledge that you're aware of the offence. Don't try to excuse it or minimise it — the court won't appreciate that. Show that you understand the seriousness.
"I am aware of the offence [Name] has pleaded guilty to, and I understand the seriousness of the matter before the court."
5. Context or circumstances
If there are circumstances the court should know about — illness, family crisis, financial hardship — mention them briefly. But don't make excuses.
6. Impact of a custodial sentence
Explain how imprisonment would affect the defendant and their dependents. This is especially important if they're a carer, sole earner, or parent.
"[Name] is the sole carer for his elderly mother, who has dementia. A custodial sentence would leave her without support and likely require her to enter residential care."
7. Your belief in their character
End with a clear statement that you believe in the defendant and support them.
"I have no hesitation in standing by [Name]. I believe this offence is completely out of character, and I am confident he will not appear before a court again."
8. Sign-off
Sign the letter by hand, print your name below, and include the date. Add a line saying you're willing to be contacted by the court if needed.
What NOT to Include
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Don't minimise the offence — saying "it wasn't that bad" or "others do worse" will backfire
- Don't attack the victim — this will seriously damage the defendant's case
- Don't lie or exaggerate — courts can tell, and perjury is a crime
- Don't be vague — "he's a good person" means nothing without examples
- Don't write a novel — 1-2 pages is plenty
- Don't discuss legal arguments — that's for the solicitor
- Don't tell the court what sentence to give — that's not your role
Format and Presentation
Presentation matters. A professional-looking letter is taken more seriously than a scribbled note.
- Type it — typed is easier to read and looks more professional
- Use plain white paper — no fancy letterheads unless it's from your employer
- Address it properly — "To the Presiding Judge" (Crown Court) or "To the Magistrates" (Magistrates' Court)
- Keep it to 1-2 pages — 300-600 words is ideal
- Sign by hand — print the letter, then sign it in pen
- Include the date — and your contact details
- Give it to the solicitor — they'll include it in the court bundle
Sample Structure
Here's a simple structure you can follow:
[Your name]
[Your address]
[Your phone number]
[Date]
To the Presiding Judge / Magistrates
Re: Character Reference for [Defendant's Full Name]
[Paragraph 1: Who you are and how you know the defendant]
[Paragraph 2: Their positive character traits with specific examples]
[Paragraph 3: Acknowledgement of the offence and any relevant circumstances]
[Paragraph 4: Impact on the defendant and dependents]
[Paragraph 5: Your belief in their character and support]
I am willing to be contacted by the court should you require any further information.
Yours faithfully,
[Signature]
[Printed name]
How Many References Should the Defendant Get?
More is generally better, but quality matters more than quantity.
- 3-5 strong references from different areas of life is ideal
- One from an employer, one from a friend, one from family, one from the community
- Don't submit 20 generic references — the court won't read them all
When Should the Reference Be Submitted?
Character references are submitted before the sentencing hearing. Give your letter to the defendant's solicitor in good time — at least a week before the hearing if possible.
If there's no solicitor, the defendant can hand copies directly to the court usher on the day, but this is less professional and gives the judge less time to read them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do character references actually make a difference?
Yes. Judges consider them as part of mitigation. A well-written reference won't guarantee a lenient sentence, but it can be a factor — especially in borderline cases where the court is deciding between custody and a community order.
Can I write a reference if I'm also a character witness?
Yes. You can submit a written reference and also attend court to give evidence in person if the defence asks you to. The written reference is read regardless; oral evidence is optional.
Should I mention that the offence was out of character?
Yes, if it's true. This is exactly what the court wants to hear — that this behaviour is an aberration, not a pattern.
What if I don't know all the details of the offence?
That's fine. You're not expected to know legal details. Just acknowledge that you're aware the person is before the court for a serious matter, and focus on their character.
Need Help With Your Character Reference?
Clear Draft prepares professional character references for court at a fixed price of £35. We take your information and structure it properly — so the court takes it seriously.
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