Crafting a Persuasive Character Letter to Support a Criminal Defendant

Character letters hold significant influence in criminal cases, as they have the potential to sway the prosecutor and court and impact the final sentencing. Writing a character letter in support of a defendant requires careful thought to maximize its utility. In this article, we'll guide you through creating a compelling character letter that shows your support and provides valuable insights to the judge.

1. Understand the Purpose:

Character letters are designed to show support for a defendant in a criminal case. They offer an opportunity to present a defendant's positive attributes, personal circumstances, and expressions of remorse to provide a more comprehensive understanding of their character.

2. Follow Letter Guidelines:

To ensure professionalism and adherence to court protocols, address the letter to the judge as "Honorable [Judge's Name]." Type the letter and consider using letterhead whenever possible if you are writing as a professional or work associate. Include your name, address, and telephone number in the letter for reference.

3. Confidential Delivery:

Send the letter ONLY to the defense attorney. Avoid mailing the letter directly to the judge, court, prosecutor, or anyone else involved. The defense lawyer will provide the letters to the prosecutor or court in the most appropriate manner.

4. Timing and Submission:

Submit your letter at least one week before the relevant hearing to allow sufficient time for review. Providing a letter the day before the court hearing is not helpful and may not be considered. It is very important to submit the letter quickly to avoid potential irritation of the judge.

5. Establish Relationship and Awareness:

Clearly state how long you have known the defendant, when you met, and the nature of your relationship. Acknowledge your awareness of the offense, as omitting this information may imply that the defendant attempted to hide it from you. Express your support despite being informed of the defendant's actions, emphasizing your commitment to standing by them.

6. Express Remorse and Anxiety:

Highlight that the defendant has expressed remorse for their actions or has experienced anxiety due to being charged with a crime. Instead of generic statements, provide specific examples or observations validating their remorse or anxiety. For instance, you can mention conversations where the defendant has expressed deep regret or emotional distress.

7. Personal Circumstances and Hardships:

If you are aware of any personal circumstances or hardships that may have contributed to the circumstances of the crime, include this information in a balanced and non-sensational manner. Avoid shifting blame to others or painting the defendant solely as a victim. Present their problems or hardships with restraint, demonstrating understanding without undermining responsibility.

8. Avoid Suggesting Specific Penalties:

It is best not to propose a specific penalty for the offense, as this may be interpreted as interfering with or disrespecting the judge's authority. Instead, you can request the judge consider incarceration alternatives, such as probation or a treatment program. Avoid criticizing the law, police, prosecution, or the alleged victim (if there is one) to maintain a respectful tone.

9. Provide Objective Facts and Examples:

While praising general character traits like "hard-working" or "generous" is insufficient, support your claims with objective facts and specific examples. Use illustrative stories and anecdotes from your relationship with the defendant to help the sentencing judge understand the person behind the offense. These impactful narratives personalize the defendant and provide a genuine perspective.

10. Seek Letters from Diverse Sources:

When gathering character letters, aim to obtain them from a cross-section of the defendant's life. Letters from employers, family members, neighbors, friends, sponsors (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous), therapists, pastors, or teachers can provide a comprehensive view. A collection of letters from individuals with different relationships is more persuasive than solely relying on letters

Conclusion:

In the challenging and complex landscape of criminal cases, having the support of a skilled attorney who understands the significance of character letters and other forms of mitigation can make a substantial difference in the outcome of a case, including sentencing. Attorney Amanda Bynum at AJB Law Firm, LLC in Tucson, Arizona, possesses the expertise and experience necessary to guide defendants through the process and effectively collect valuable evidence, including persuasive character letters. By working closely with defendants and their loved ones, Attorney Bynum ensures that each letter is credible, personal, and impactful, ultimately aiding in securing the best possible sentence. If you or someone you know is facing a criminal case and could benefit from a strong defense strategy incorporating compelling character letters, contact AJB Law Firm, LLC today to schedule a free consultation.