Character letters can matter in a legal case because they give the court a personal view of a person’s background, character, responsibilities, and positive qualities that may not appear in formal legal records.
They can be especially useful during sentencing, when a judge may consider information about the person beyond the facts of the offense. Knowing tips for writing an effective character letter can help writers provide useful information without making unsupported claims or minimizing the seriousness of the case.
What Is a Character Letter?
A character letter is a written statement from someone who knows the person involved in a legal matter.
The writer might be a family member, friend, employer, teacher, coworker, community member, or another person who has firsthand knowledge of the individual’s character.
A strong letter does more than say that someone is a “good person.” It provides specific examples that help explain the individual’s personality, responsibilities, work ethic, relationships, community involvement, or efforts to make positive changes.
Why Do Character Letters Matter?
Legal proceedings often focus heavily on documents, evidence, testimony, and the circumstances surrounding an allegation or conviction. A character letter can provide additional context about the individual as a person.
For example, a letter may explain someone’s role as a parent, their commitment to work, their involvement in the community, or how they have supported others.
In federal sentencing, 18 U.S.C. § 3661 allows consideration of information concerning a person’s background, character, and conduct when determining an appropriate sentence. However, the weight given to a particular letter depends on the circumstances and the decision-maker.
Personal Knowledge Makes a Difference
A character letter is generally more useful when the writer has personally known the individual for a meaningful period.
Instead of making broad statements, explain how you know the person and what you have personally observed.
For example, rather than simply saying someone is responsible, describe a situation where you saw that person take responsibility for an important obligation or help someone through a difficult period.
Specific examples make the letter more credible and meaningful.
Be Honest and Respectful
A character letter should be truthful. Writers should not exaggerate achievements, invent facts, or make claims about events they did not personally witness.
It is also usually better to acknowledge the seriousness of the legal matter rather than pretending it does not exist.
A respectful letter can explain why the writer believes the person deserves consideration while avoiding arguments about facts that the writer does not personally know.
Explain Positive Qualities With Examples
A court may learn more from a short story than from a long list of compliments.
If the person is a dedicated parent, describe what you have personally seen them do for their children. If they are dependable at work, explain how they have demonstrated that quality.
Examples involving employment, family responsibilities, education, volunteer activities, or community involvement can help demonstrate character in a concrete way.
Avoid Attacking Other People
A character letter should generally focus on the person it is supporting.
Attacking the victim, police officers, prosecutors, witnesses, or other people involved in the case can distract from the purpose of the letter. It may also make the letter appear argumentative rather than genuinely focused on character.
The writer should keep the tone respectful and concentrate on firsthand observations.
Keep the Letter Focused
A useful character letter does not need to be extremely long. A clear, organized letter that provides specific information is often more effective than several pages filled with repeated praise.
The writer should explain the relationship with the individual, provide meaningful examples, discuss relevant positive qualities, and close with a respectful statement about why the writer believes the person deserves consideration.
Follow Any Instructions From the Attorney or Court
Different legal cases may have different requirements for character letters. An attorney may provide instructions about length, formatting, submission, or the type of information that would be useful.
Following those instructions can help ensure the letter is appropriate for the proceeding.
If the letter is being submitted for sentencing, it should also be written with an understanding that the court may evaluate it alongside the facts of the case and other sentencing information.
Key Takeaways
- Character letters can provide personal context that formal legal records may not show.
- Firsthand knowledge generally makes a letter more credible.
- Specific examples are more useful than general compliments.
- Writers should remain truthful and avoid exaggerating.
- A respectful tone is usually more effective than attacking other people involved in the case.
- Federal law, including 18 U.S.C. § 3661, recognizes the relevance of information about a person’s background, character, and conduct in sentencing.
- Keep the letter focused and follow any instructions provided by the attorney or court.