When appearing in court, character witness statements can be very impactful. They provide insight into a person’s character and can help the judge make a more informed decision. If you’ve been asked to write a character witness statement for court, it’s important to understand what’s expected of you. Below are some examples of character witness statements that you can use as a guide. You can edit them as needed to fit your specific situation.
Tips for Writing a Character Witness Statement for Court
If you’ve been asked to write a character witness statement for court, follow these tips:
- Start with a clear and concise title
- Provide a detailed and in-depth explanation
- Follow a step-by-step format
Examples
Example 1: Child Custody
Dear Judge,
I am writing this character witness statement for Jane Doe in regards to the custody of her children. I have known Jane for ten years and have seen firsthand the love and dedication she has for her children.
Jane is a devoted mother who always puts her children’s needs first. She has created a safe and loving home for them and is actively involved in their education and extracurricular activities. I have no doubt that Jane is the best choice for primary custody of her children.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 2: Employment
Dear [Employer’s Name],
I am writing this character witness statement for John Smith in regards to his employment at your company. I have had the pleasure of working alongside John for the past five years and can attest to his hard work and dedication to his job.
John is a team player who always goes above and beyond what is expected of him. He takes pride in his work and consistently produces high-quality results. I have no doubt that he would be an asset to your company and strongly recommend him for any position he may apply for.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 3: Criminal Case
Dear Judge,
I am writing this character witness statement for Tom Jones in regards to his involvement in the recent criminal case. I have known Tom for fifteen years and have always found him to be a person of integrity and honesty.
Tom is not the type of person who would willingly break the law. I believe that his involvement in this case was a mistake and not a true reflection of his character. I urge you to consider his history and reputation when making your decision.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 4: Personal Injury Case
Dear Judge,
I am writing this character witness statement for Sarah Johnson in regards to her personal injury case. I have known Sarah for ten years and can attest to her honesty and integrity.
Sarah has always been a responsible and cautious person, and I believe that the accident that led to her injury was not her fault. She has suffered greatly from her injuries and I urge you to consider the impact this has had on her life when making your decision.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 5: Immigration Case
Dear Immigration Judge,
I am writing this character witness statement for Maria Hernandez in regards to her immigration case. I have known Maria for five years and have seen firsthand her hard work and dedication to her family and community.
Maria is a valued member of our community who always puts others before herself. She has worked tirelessly to provide for her family and is a positive influence on those around her. I strongly urge you to consider her contributions to our community when making your decision.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 6: Divorce Case
Dear Judge,
I am writing this character witness statement for Jack Thompson in regards to his divorce case. I have known Jack for fifteen years and have always found him to be a man of integrity and honesty.
Throughout his marriage, Jack has been a devoted husband and father. He has always put his family first and has worked hard to provide for them. I believe that he deserves a fair and equitable division of assets in this divorce.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Example 7: Probation Hearing
Dear Probation Officer,
I am writing this character witness statement for Michael Brown in regards to his probation hearing. I have known Michael for ten years and have seen firsthand his commitment to turning his life around.
Michael has made significant progress since his conviction and has been actively seeking employment and education opportunities. He has shown great remorse for his past actions and is dedicated to making positive changes in his life. I strongly urge you to consider his progress when making your decision.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a character witness statement?
A character witness statement is a written statement that provides insight into a person’s character. It can be used in court to help the judge make a more informed decision.
What should I include in a character witness statement?
You should include information about your relationship with the person, their character, and any relevant information that may help the judge make a decision.
How long should a character witness statement be?
A character witness statement should be between 50 and 80 sentences.
Do I need to include a greeting and complimentary close in a character witness statement?
Yes, you should include a greeting and complimentary close in your character witness statement. It’s important to maintain a professional tone throughout the letter.
What should I do if I’m not sure what to write?
If you’re not sure what to write, consider reaching out to the person’s lawyer for guidance. They may be able to provide you with more information about what’s expected of you.
Can I submit a character witness statement after the trial has started?
It depends on the rules of the court. Some courts allow character witness statements to be submitted after the trial has started, while others do not. Check with the court to determine what their rules are.
Conclusion
Providing a character witness statement can be a powerful tool in a court case. By following these tips and using the examples provided, you can create a statement that will help the judge make a more informed decision.