If you have a friend or family member who has been charged with a DUI, you may be asked to write a character letter to the court. A character letter can be a powerful tool in helping the court understand the personal side of the defendant and can have an impact on the sentencing decision. In this article, we will discuss the format and content of a character letter for DUI, provide tips for writing an effective letter, and offer examples that you can use as a starting point for your own letter.
Tips for Writing a Character Letter for DUI
When writing a character letter for DUI, it is important to keep in mind the following tips:
Title: Introduction
Begin your letter with a formal greeting and a brief introduction stating your relationship to the defendant and why you are writing the letter. Make sure to mention that this is a character letter for DUI.
Title: Explanation
In the body of the letter, explain why you believe the defendant is a good person who made a mistake. Provide examples of the defendant’s positive qualities, such as their job, community involvement, and relationships with family and friends.
Title: Examples
Title: Letter of Support for DUI
Greeting: Your Honor,
Letter Body: I am writing this letter in support of [Defendant’s Name]. I have known [Defendant’s Name] for [Number of Years] and I can attest to the fact that he is a hardworking and responsible person who made a mistake.
[Defendant’s Name] has been a dedicated employee at [Employer’s Name] for [Number of Years] and is highly respected by his colleagues. He is also actively involved in his community and has volunteered his time to various charitable organizations.
Complimentary Close: Thank you for your time and consideration.
Title: Letter of Apology for DUI
Greeting: Dear Judge,
Letter Body: I am writing this letter to express my deepest apologies on behalf of [Defendant’s Name]. I have known [Defendant’s Name] for [Number of Years] and I can attest to the fact that he is a good person who made a terrible mistake.
[Defendant’s Name] has always been a responsible and caring person. He has a great job, a loving family, and a wide circle of friends who respect and admire him. I know that he deeply regrets his actions and is committed to making things right.
Complimentary Close: Thank you for your consideration.
Title: Letter of Remorse for DUI
Greeting: To Whom It May Concern,
Letter Body: I am writing this letter on behalf of [Defendant’s Name], who is a close friend of mine. I have known [Defendant’s Name] for [Number of Years] and can attest to his good character and kind heart.
However, I also know that [Defendant’s Name] made a serious mistake when he chose to drink and drive. He is deeply remorseful for his actions and has taken steps to address his behavior through counseling and support groups.
Complimentary Close: Thank you for your time and consideration.
Title: Letter of Support for Community Service for DUI
Greeting: Dear Judge,
Letter Body: I am writing this letter in support of [Defendant’s Name] and his request to complete community service in lieu of a jail sentence. I have known [Defendant’s Name] for [Number of Years] and can attest to his good character and strong work ethic.
[Defendant’s Name] is a respected member of his community and has volunteered his time to various charitable organizations. He is committed to making amends for his mistake and believes that completing community service is the best way to do so.
Complimentary Close: Thank you for your time and consideration.
Title: Letter of Support for Probation for DUI
Greeting: Your Honor,
Letter Body: I am writing this letter in support of [Defendant’s Name] and his request for probation instead of a jail sentence. I have known [Defendant’s Name] for [Number of Years] and can attest to his good character and strong sense of responsibility.
[Defendant’s Name] is a dedicated employee at [Employer’s Name] and is well-respected by his colleagues. He is also a devoted family man and has a wide circle of friends who rely on him for support and guidance.
Complimentary Close: Thank you for your time and consideration.
Title: Letter of Support for DUI Sentencing
Greeting: To Whom It May Concern,
Letter Body: I am writing this letter in support of [Defendant’s Name] and his request for leniency in his DUI sentencing. I have known [Defendant’s Name] for [Number of Years] and can attest to his good character and positive contributions to society.
[Defendant’s Name] is a hardworking and responsible person who has made a mistake. He is deeply remorseful for his actions and is committed to making amends for his mistakes. I believe that he deserves a second chance and would benefit from community service and probation rather than a jail sentence.
Complimentary Close: Thank you for your time and consideration.
Title: Letter of Support for DUI Hearing
Greeting: Dear Judge,
Letter Body: I am writing this letter in support of [Defendant’s Name] and his request for a favorable outcome in his DUI hearing. I have known [Defendant’s Name] for [Number of Years] and can attest to his good character and overall positive impact on society.
[Defendant’s Name] is a respected member of his community and has volunteered his time to various charitable organizations. He is deeply remorseful about his DUI charge and is committed to making amends for his mistake. I believe that he would benefit from community service and probation rather than a jail sentence.
Complimentary Close: Thank you for your time and consideration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I include in a character letter for DUI?
A: A character letter for DUI should include your relationship to the defendant, an explanation of why you believe the defendant is a good person who made a mistake, and examples of the defendant’s positive qualities.
Q: How long should a character letter for DUI be?
A: A character letter for DUI should be no longer than one page, or approximately 50 to 80 sentences.
Q: How should I address the letter?
A: Address the letter to the presiding judge, and begin with a formal greeting such as “Your Honor” or “Dear Judge.”
Q: Should I include my contact information in the letter?
A: Yes, you should include your full name, address, and phone number in the letter.
Q: Can I use a character letter template?
A: Yes, you can find character letter templates online and edit them as needed to fit your specific situation. However, make sure to personalize the letter as much as possible and avoid using generic language.
Q: Can I submit multiple character letters for DUI?
A: Yes, you can submit multiple character letters for DUI from different people who know the defendant well. However, make sure that each letter is unique and offers different perspectives on the defendant’s character.
Conclusion
Writing a character letter for DUI can be a daunting task, but it can also be a powerful tool in helping the court understand the personal side of the defendant. By following the tips and examples provided in this article, you can write an effective character letter that can have a positive impact on the sentencing decision. Remember to keep the letter professional and to focus on the defendant’s positive qualities and contributions to society.