If someone you know has been charged with driving under the influence (DUI), you may be asked to write a character reference letter. This type of letter can be an important factor in their legal case, as it provides insight into the person’s character and can help to mitigate the severity of their sentence. In this article, we will provide tips for writing a character reference letter for DUI, as well as examples and answers to frequently asked questions.
Tips for Writing a Character Reference Letter for DUI
When writing a character reference letter for DUI, it is important to keep the following tips in mind:
1. Start with a strong opening
The opening of your letter should be attention-grabbing and provide a clear introduction to the person you are writing about. You may want to begin by stating your relationship with the person and how long you have known them.
2. Explain your relationship with the person
Provide details about how you know the person and how often you see them. This will help to establish your credibility and provide context for your letter.
3. Provide specific examples
Include specific examples of the person’s character, such as their honesty, integrity, and reliability. You may also want to mention any volunteer work or community service they have done.
4. Be honest
While you want to present the person in a positive light, it is important to be honest in your assessment. Do not exaggerate or make false claims.
5. Edit and proofread
Make sure to edit and proofread your letter for spelling and grammatical errors. You may also want to have someone else read it over to provide feedback.
Examples of Character Reference Letters for DUI
Example 1: First-time Offender
Dear Judge,
I am writing to provide a character reference for [Name], who has been charged with DUI. I have known [Name] for [Number] years and can attest to their honesty, integrity, and responsibility.
On the night in question, [Name] made a mistake and got behind the wheel after drinking. However, this is not indicative of their overall character. [He/She] has never been in trouble with the law before and is actively taking steps to address [his/her] actions. [He/She] has enrolled in an alcohol treatment program and is attending AA meetings regularly.
I believe that [Name] is truly remorseful for [his/her] actions and is committed to making better choices in the future. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 2: Close Friend
Dear Judge,
I am writing to provide a character reference for [Name], who has been charged with DUI. I have known [Name] for [Number] years and consider [him/her] to be one of my closest friends.
[Name] is a person of high moral character and has always been there for me when I needed [him/her]. [He/She] is honest, dependable, and trustworthy. [He/She] made a mistake by driving under the influence, but [he/she] is taking full responsibility for [his/her] actions.
I believe that [Name] is a valuable member of our community and I am confident that [he/she] will learn from this experience and make better choices in the future. Thank you for considering my letter.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 3: Employer
Dear Judge,
I am writing to provide a character reference for [Name], who has been charged with DUI. [Name] has been an employee at our company for [Number] years and has always been a reliable and trustworthy member of our team.
While [Name] made a mistake by driving under the influence, [he/she] has taken full responsibility for [his/her] actions and is committed to making things right. [He/She] has enrolled in an alcohol treatment program and has been attending AA meetings regularly.
I believe that [Name] is a valuable member of our community and I would hate to see [him/her] suffer long-term consequences for one mistake. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 4: Family Member
Dear Judge,
I am writing to provide a character reference for my [Relation], [Name], who has been charged with DUI. [Name] is a person of high moral character and has always been a responsible and caring member of our family.
While [Name] made a mistake by driving under the influence, [he/she] is taking full responsibility for [his/her] actions and is committed to making things right. [He/She] has enrolled in an alcohol treatment program and has been attending AA meetings regularly.
I believe that [Name] is a valuable member of our family and our community, and I am confident that [he/she] will learn from this experience and make better choices in the future. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 5: Community Leader
Dear Judge,
I am writing to provide a character reference for [Name], who has been charged with DUI. [Name] is a respected member of our community and has always been a person of high moral character.
[Name] made a mistake by driving under the influence, but [he/she] is taking full responsibility for [his/her] actions and is committed to making things right. [He/She] has enrolled in an alcohol treatment program and has been attending AA meetings regularly.
I believe that [Name] is a valuable member of our community and I would hate to see [him/her] suffer long-term consequences for one mistake. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 6: Neighbor
Dear Judge,
I am writing to provide a character reference for [Name], who has been charged with DUI. I have known [Name] for [Number] years and have always found [him/her] to be a responsible and dependable neighbor.
[Name] made a mistake by driving under the influence, but [he/she] is taking full responsibility for [his/her] actions and is committed to making things right. [He/She] has enrolled in an alcohol treatment program and has been attending AA meetings regularly.
I believe that [Name] is a valuable member of our community and I am confident that [he/she] will learn from this experience and make better choices in the future. Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a character reference letter for DUI?
A character reference letter for DUI should include details about your relationship with the person, specific examples of their character, and any information about their efforts to take responsibility for their actions and make things right. Be honest in your assessment and do not make false claims.
Who should I address the letter to?
You should address the letter to the judge who will be overseeing the case. You may be able to find this information online or by contacting the courthouse where the case will be heard.
How long should the letter be?
Your letter should be one to two pages long, or approximately 50 to 80 sentences. Be concise and focus on the most important details.
What should I do if I don’t feel comfortable writing a character reference letter?
If you don’t feel comfortable writing a character reference letter, it is okay to decline the request. It is important to be honest in your assessment, and if you don’t feel you can provide a positive recommendation, it is better not to write the letter at all.
Can I submit my letter electronically?
It depends on the court’s policies. Some courts may allow electronic submissions, while others may require a hard copy. Check with the court to determine their policies.
What else can I do to support the person during this time?
There are a few things you can do to support the person during this time. You can offer to attend AA meetings with them, help them find a good lawyer or alcohol treatment program, or simply be there to listen and offer your support.
Conclusion
Writing a character reference letter for DUI can be an important way to help someone you know who is facing legal trouble. By following our tips and using our examples, you can create a letter that provides insight into the person’s character and helps to mitigate the severity of their sentence. Remember to be honest and concise in your assessment, and provide specific examples to support your claims. Good luck!