If you have a friend or family member who has been charged with DUI, you may be asked to write a character reference letter for them. This letter can help to show the court that the defendant is a responsible and trustworthy person who made a mistake, and it can help to mitigate the sentencing. In this article, we will provide you with DUI character reference letter examples that you can use as a guide to write your own letter.
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When someone you know is charged with DUI, they may ask you to write a character reference letter for them. Such letters can help to show the court that the defendant is a responsible and trustworthy person who made a mistake. In this article, we will provide you with DUI character reference letter examples that you can use as a guide to write your own letter.
Tips for Writing a DUI Character Reference Letter
When writing a DUI character reference letter, it is important to keep the following tips in mind:
Title: Make It Clear
Make sure the title of your letter is clear and concise. The judge and the prosecutor will be able to quickly understand what the letter is about and why it is important.
Explain Who You Are
In your letter, explain who you are and how you know the defendant. This will help the court to understand your relationship with the defendant and why your opinion is relevant.
Be Specific
Be specific about the defendant’s character traits and actions that you are describing in your letter. This will make your letter more convincing and will help the court to understand the defendant’s strengths and weaknesses.
Be Honest
Be honest in your letter, even if it means highlighting some negative aspects of the defendant’s character. Honesty is important to build credibility with the court.
Examples of DUI Character Reference Letters
Example 1: Apology for DUI
Greeting,
I am writing to express my deep regret for my friend’s DUI charge. I have known [defendant’s name] for over [number of years] years and I can vouch for their character. [Defendant’s name] is a kind-hearted person who always puts others before themselves. [He/She] has a great sense of humor and is always willing to help out a friend in need.
I know that [defendant’s name] deeply regrets their actions and is taking steps to ensure that it never happens again. I believe that [he/she] has learned from this experience and will be a better person for it.
Thank you for considering my letter.
Complimentary close,
Example 2: Community Involvement
Greeting,
I am writing this letter to support [defendant’s name] who is facing DUI charges. I have known [him/her] for [number of years] years and I have always been impressed with [his/her] dedication to the community. [Defendant’s name] has volunteered for [organization name] for the past [number of years] years and has made a significant impact on the lives of many people.
I believe that [defendant’s name] is a responsible person who made a mistake. I know [he/she] takes this matter very seriously and is taking steps to address the issue. I trust that [he/she] will learn from this experience and will continue to make a positive impact on the community.
Thank you for considering my letter.
Complimentary close,
Example 3: Employer Support
Greeting,
I am writing this letter to support [defendant’s name] who is facing DUI charges. I have been [his/her] employer for [number of years] years and I can vouch for [his/her] character. [Defendant’s name] is a responsible employee who always shows up to work on time and is dedicated to [his/her] job.
I believe that [defendant’s name] is a valuable member of our team and I trust that [he/she] will learn from this experience and will continue to be a responsible employee. I have confidence in [his/her] ability to make positive changes and to move forward from this situation.
Thank you for considering my letter.
Complimentary close,
Example 4: Family Support
Greeting,
I am writing this letter to support my [son/daughter/other family member], [defendant’s name], who is facing DUI charges. I have known [him/her] for [number of years] years and I know that [defendant’s name] is a responsible and caring person.
I believe that [defendant’s name] deeply regrets [his/her] actions and is taking steps to address the issue. I trust that [he/she] will learn from this experience and will continue to be a positive influence on [his/her] family and community.
Thank you for considering my letter.
Complimentary close,
Example 5: Military Service
Greeting,
I am writing this letter to support [defendant’s name] who is facing DUI charges. I have known [him/her] for [number of years] years and I can attest to [his/her] dedication to serving our country as a [branch of service] member.
I believe that [defendant’s name] is a responsible and trustworthy person who made a mistake. I know that [he/she] takes this matter very seriously and is taking steps to address the issue. [He/She] will learn from this experience and will continue to serve our country with honor and distinction.
Thank you for considering my letter.
Complimentary close,
Example 6: Volunteer Work
Greeting,
I am writing this letter to support [defendant’s name] who is facing DUI charges. I have known [him/her] for [number of years] years and I can vouch for [his/her] character. [Defendant’s name] is a kind-hearted person who is always willing to help others.
I know that [defendant’s name] is deeply committed to [organization name] and has volunteered there for the past [number of years] years. [He/She] has made a significant impact on the lives of many people in our community. I believe that [defendant’s name] is a responsible person who made a mistake and is taking steps to address the issue.
Thank you for considering my letter.
Complimentary close,
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I include in a DUI character reference letter?
In a DUI character reference letter, you should include your relationship with the defendant, your opinion of their character, and any positive attributes or actions that you can attest to. Be specific and honest, and try to highlight the defendant’s strengths and accomplishments.
How long should a DUI character reference letter be?
A DUI character reference letter should be concise but comprehensive. Aim for 50 to 80 sentences in total, with a clear introduction, two paragraphs of body text, and a conclusion. Be sure to include specific examples and anecdotes to support your arguments.
What kind of tone should I use in a DUI character reference letter?
You should use a formal but friendly tone in a DUI character reference letter. Be respectful and professional, but also try to convey your personal relationship with the defendant and your belief in their character. Avoid using slang or overly familiar language.
How can I make my DUI character reference letter more persuasive?
To make your DUI character reference letter more persuasive, be specific and provide concrete examples of the defendant’s positive attributes or actions. Use vivid language and try to convey a sense of the defendant’s personality and character. Be sincere and honest, but also try to emphasize the defendant’s redeeming qualities.
Should I mention the DUI charge directly in my character reference letter?
You may mention the DUI charge directly in your character reference letter, but be careful to do so in a tactful and respectful way. Acknowledge the mistake and its consequences, but also emphasize the defendant’s positive qualities and their commitment to making things right.
What should I avoid mentioning in a DUI character reference letter?
You should avoid mentioning any negative or controversial information about the defendant in a DUI character reference letter. Focus instead on their positive qualities and actions, and try to avoid any irrelevant or potentially damaging details.
Conclusion
Writing a DUI character reference letter can be a daunting task, but with these examples and tips, you should be able to create a compelling and effective letter that will help to show the court the defendant’s true character. Remember to be honest, specific, and respectful, and to highlight the defendant’s redeeming qualities. Hopefully, with your help, the defendant will be able to learn from their mistake and move forward in a positive way.