Court Character Reference
Discussion
Hi,
I've been asked to do a character reference for a family friend following him getting into trouble recently. However, I don't know where to start - can anyone help me out on this?
Before you question it, the lad had spent time inside following getting in with the wrong crowd when he was younger. When he came out he was actually a changed man as he had obviously grown up a lot within 6mths. He moved towns and he realised he had to get away from the wrong influences, he got himself a job and was starting to make a life for himself. He got made redundant when the company folded and had a breakdown and was sectioned for his own good. His family rallied round and he is starting to rebuild his life again. From speaking to him he really is turning things around and tbh I can really see him growing up before my eyes. He has now got his feet firmly on the ground and is trying to do the things that he never got chance to - becoming computer literate, got his fork lift licence, looking for work etc. He's even done charity work now, and is always the first person to help someone out.
Unfortunately, on a rare night out he made a mistake following too much alcohol (nobody was hurt) and has been arrested and it's now going to court.
I'm normally a "hang 'em high" sort of guy but this time I do think that a custodial would be detrimental to his rehabilitation. But how do I put that in a letter?
I know that posting this here will result in plenty of let him rot sort of replies, but I want to help him out.
Cheers in advance
I've been asked to do a character reference for a family friend following him getting into trouble recently. However, I don't know where to start - can anyone help me out on this?
Before you question it, the lad had spent time inside following getting in with the wrong crowd when he was younger. When he came out he was actually a changed man as he had obviously grown up a lot within 6mths. He moved towns and he realised he had to get away from the wrong influences, he got himself a job and was starting to make a life for himself. He got made redundant when the company folded and had a breakdown and was sectioned for his own good. His family rallied round and he is starting to rebuild his life again. From speaking to him he really is turning things around and tbh I can really see him growing up before my eyes. He has now got his feet firmly on the ground and is trying to do the things that he never got chance to - becoming computer literate, got his fork lift licence, looking for work etc. He's even done charity work now, and is always the first person to help someone out.
Unfortunately, on a rare night out he made a mistake following too much alcohol (nobody was hurt) and has been arrested and it's now going to court.
I'm normally a "hang 'em high" sort of guy but this time I do think that a custodial would be detrimental to his rehabilitation. But how do I put that in a letter?
I know that posting this here will result in plenty of let him rot sort of replies, but I want to help him out.
Cheers in advance
I had to do one of these last week as it happens.
My only advice is to plan it out like any other piece of written work; remember that it will be read aloud in court, so make sure it is easy to read and flows nicely.
Final point, make sure that what you put is 100% the truth; sure, spin things in a positive light.
Good luck.
My only advice is to plan it out like any other piece of written work; remember that it will be read aloud in court, so make sure it is easy to read and flows nicely.
Final point, make sure that what you put is 100% the truth; sure, spin things in a positive light.
Good luck.
P-J said:
Hi,
I've been asked to do a character reference for a family friend following him getting into trouble recently. However, I don't know where to start - can anyone help me out on this?
Before you question it, the lad had spent time inside following getting in with the wrong crowd when he was younger. When he came out he was actually a changed man as he had obviously grown up a lot within 6mths. He moved towns and he realised he had to get away from the wrong influences, he got himself a job and was starting to make a life for himself. He got made redundant when the company folded and had a breakdown and was sectioned for his own good. His family rallied round and he is starting to rebuild his life again. From speaking to him he really is turning things around and tbh I can really see him growing up before my eyes. He has now got his feet firmly on the ground and is trying to do the things that he never got chance to - becoming computer literate, got his fork lift licence, looking for work etc. He's even done charity work now, and is always the first person to help someone out.
Unfortunately, on a rare night out he made a mistake following too much alcohol (nobody was hurt) and has been arrested and it's now going to court.
I'm normally a "hang 'em high" sort of guy but this time I do think that a custodial would be detrimental to his rehabilitation. But how do I put that in a letter?
I know that posting this here will result in plenty of let him rot sort of replies, but I want to help him out.
Cheers in advance
Well you've nearly written it.I've been asked to do a character reference for a family friend following him getting into trouble recently. However, I don't know where to start - can anyone help me out on this?
Before you question it, the lad had spent time inside following getting in with the wrong crowd when he was younger. When he came out he was actually a changed man as he had obviously grown up a lot within 6mths. He moved towns and he realised he had to get away from the wrong influences, he got himself a job and was starting to make a life for himself. He got made redundant when the company folded and had a breakdown and was sectioned for his own good. His family rallied round and he is starting to rebuild his life again. From speaking to him he really is turning things around and tbh I can really see him growing up before my eyes. He has now got his feet firmly on the ground and is trying to do the things that he never got chance to - becoming computer literate, got his fork lift licence, looking for work etc. He's even done charity work now, and is always the first person to help someone out.
Unfortunately, on a rare night out he made a mistake following too much alcohol (nobody was hurt) and has been arrested and it's now going to court.
I'm normally a "hang 'em high" sort of guy but this time I do think that a custodial would be detrimental to his rehabilitation. But how do I put that in a letter?
I know that posting this here will result in plenty of let him rot sort of replies, but I want to help him out.
Cheers in advance
I would start...
'I have been asked to provide a character reference for XXX. I have known XXX for X years and would say he is someone who has been the unfortunate victim of circumstance.
In 19XX he was made redundant from his post as XXX at XXXX Ltd, a job he was enjoying very much - this unfortunately directly contributed to him suffering a breakdown. However, he is rebuilding his life again and is really is turning things around. He has become more mature and has got his feet firmly on the ground and is trying to do the things that he never got chance to - becoming computer literate, got his fork lift licence, looking for work etc. He's even done charity work now, and is always the first person to help someone out.
Unfortunately, on a rare night out he made a mistake following too much alcohol (nobody was hurt) and has been arrested and he now finds himself facing a court case.
I think that a custodial sentence would be detrimental to his rehabilitation and would urge the court not to consider a custodial sentence....'
Something along those lines?
Cheers guys - I thought I'd get flamed for this in P&P.
I've done the following
Does it really get read out in court - I thought it was just for the head honcho to see it?
I've done the following
I said:
To Whom it may concern,
I first knew ****** when he lived in ****, *****. At that time he was going through a number of issues after falling in with the wrong crowd. By his own admission he was not a nice person to know at that stage as he rebelled against authority, creating a situation which led to him being issued with a custodial sentence.
Spending time inside obviously made ***** grow up a lot as upon his release he tried to build a life for himself. After returning to *****, he realised that staying there was not best for him, and decided to move to be near to his loving family in ****. He succeeded in getting himself a job, and it was fantastic to hear him talking about the future and what he wanted. Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond his control, he lost his job and fell unwell. With the loving support from his family he returned to health and is now trying to build a future for himself.
I believe that ***** has grown up a lot over the past couple of years, learning things that he did not get chance to when he was at school. I know he has done something wrong, maybe due to being with the wrong kind of friends, but the thought of having his liberty taken away again has made him think of all the good things that he wants to do and has yet to get the chance, simple things like getting his driving license, or becoming more computer literate. On a personal note I have watched ***** mature into a well rounded fine young man over the past five years, displaying a high degree of integrity, responsibility and ambition.
He now has all his family in *****, who are all waiting for him and will be by his side to help him overcome this difficult time of his life, and will make sure he follows the right path and sticks to his plans now more than ever. He has great love for his family and friends and is always the first person to offer a helping hand when needed.
I believe that a custodial sentence would be detrimental to his rehabilitation and would urge the court to consider alternative options.
If you require any further information or wish to contact me by telephone on this matter I am available on *****
I've tried not to put in about alcohol as I don't know what the courts would think of that. - ******
I first knew ****** when he lived in ****, *****. At that time he was going through a number of issues after falling in with the wrong crowd. By his own admission he was not a nice person to know at that stage as he rebelled against authority, creating a situation which led to him being issued with a custodial sentence.
Spending time inside obviously made ***** grow up a lot as upon his release he tried to build a life for himself. After returning to *****, he realised that staying there was not best for him, and decided to move to be near to his loving family in ****. He succeeded in getting himself a job, and it was fantastic to hear him talking about the future and what he wanted. Unfortunately, due to circumstances beyond his control, he lost his job and fell unwell. With the loving support from his family he returned to health and is now trying to build a future for himself.
I believe that ***** has grown up a lot over the past couple of years, learning things that he did not get chance to when he was at school. I know he has done something wrong, maybe due to being with the wrong kind of friends, but the thought of having his liberty taken away again has made him think of all the good things that he wants to do and has yet to get the chance, simple things like getting his driving license, or becoming more computer literate. On a personal note I have watched ***** mature into a well rounded fine young man over the past five years, displaying a high degree of integrity, responsibility and ambition.
He now has all his family in *****, who are all waiting for him and will be by his side to help him overcome this difficult time of his life, and will make sure he follows the right path and sticks to his plans now more than ever. He has great love for his family and friends and is always the first person to offer a helping hand when needed.
I believe that a custodial sentence would be detrimental to his rehabilitation and would urge the court to consider alternative options.
If you require any further information or wish to contact me by telephone on this matter I am available on *****
Does it really get read out in court - I thought it was just for the head honcho to see it?
NDA said:
P-J said:
Hi,
I've been asked to do a character reference for a family friend following him getting into trouble recently. However, I don't know where to start - can anyone help me out on this?
Before you question it, the lad had spent time inside following getting in with the wrong crowd when he was younger. When he came out he was actually a changed man as he had obviously grown up a lot within 6mths. He moved towns and he realised he had to get away from the wrong influences, he got himself a job and was starting to make a life for himself. He got made redundant when the company folded and had a breakdown and was sectioned for his own good. His family rallied round and he is starting to rebuild his life again. From speaking to him he really is turning things around and tbh I can really see him growing up before my eyes. He has now got his feet firmly on the ground and is trying to do the things that he never got chance to - becoming computer literate, got his fork lift licence, looking for work etc. He's even done charity work now, and is always the first person to help someone out.
Unfortunately, on a rare night out he made a mistake following too much alcohol (nobody was hurt) and has been arrested and it's now going to court.
I'm normally a "hang 'em high" sort of guy but this time I do think that a custodial would be detrimental to his rehabilitation. But how do I put that in a letter?
I know that posting this here will result in plenty of let him rot sort of replies, but I want to help him out.
Cheers in advance
Well you've nearly written it.I've been asked to do a character reference for a family friend following him getting into trouble recently. However, I don't know where to start - can anyone help me out on this?
Before you question it, the lad had spent time inside following getting in with the wrong crowd when he was younger. When he came out he was actually a changed man as he had obviously grown up a lot within 6mths. He moved towns and he realised he had to get away from the wrong influences, he got himself a job and was starting to make a life for himself. He got made redundant when the company folded and had a breakdown and was sectioned for his own good. His family rallied round and he is starting to rebuild his life again. From speaking to him he really is turning things around and tbh I can really see him growing up before my eyes. He has now got his feet firmly on the ground and is trying to do the things that he never got chance to - becoming computer literate, got his fork lift licence, looking for work etc. He's even done charity work now, and is always the first person to help someone out.
Unfortunately, on a rare night out he made a mistake following too much alcohol (nobody was hurt) and has been arrested and it's now going to court.
I'm normally a "hang 'em high" sort of guy but this time I do think that a custodial would be detrimental to his rehabilitation. But how do I put that in a letter?
I know that posting this here will result in plenty of let him rot sort of replies, but I want to help him out.
Cheers in advance
I would start...
'I have been asked to provide a character reference for XXX. I have known XXX for X years and would say he is someone who has been the unfortunate victim of circumstance.
In 19XX he was made redundant from his post as XXX at XXXX Ltd, a job he was enjoying very much - this unfortunately directly contributed to him suffering a breakdown. However, he is rebuilding his life again and is really is turning things around. He has become more mature and has got his feet firmly on the ground and is trying to do the things that he never got chance to - becoming computer literate, got his fork lift licence, looking for work etc. He's even done charity work now, and is always the first person to help someone out.
Unfortunately, on a rare night out he made a mistake following too much alcohol (nobody was hurt) and has been arrested and he now finds himself facing a court case.
I think that a custodial sentence would be detrimental to his rehabilitation and would urge the court not to consider a custodial sentence....'
Something along those lines?
Your charactor reference is the difference between his opportunity to make good or his undoing, as once he has been typecast by the system, the chances of recovery are slim IMO.
Good thread with some cracking answers. Go for it!
I think in the first paragraph you need to add an extra sentance of so about yourself, not loads of waffle as it's not about you, but the court don't know you from Adam. Something along the lines, My name is ***** I am a 30 something year old company director of a company turning over 50 mil and employing 75 people, I have known the accused etc etc.
It just helps show that the reference is from someone who knows what they are talking about.
It just helps show that the reference is from someone who knows what they are talking about.
And looks pretty good to me Gassing Station | The Lounge | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff