Character Reference Letters and Letters of Recommendation
Why write Character Reference Letters and Letters of Recommendation?
Character Reference Letters and Letters of Recommendation can help you in most cases if you have a DUI or other court case pending. While it isn’t a complete legal defense or factual defense to the charges, a prosecutor, or a judge, tends to see the hundreds of cases a month coming through the court system. Seeing the “other side” of the background, situation, and directions in life of a person involved in a case means that the opposing side has the opportunity to see you as a person, and not just another case number.
Also, the psychological principle of “social proof” means that the more people that are willing to vouch for you, the more positive a person will view you, based upon other’s opinions.
How many Character Reference Letters and Letters of Recommendation should I present?
However, quantity is not better than quality. Anything more than three one page character reference or recommendation letters, and judges tend to skim through them instead of read them.
We have had a few clients hire a consultant to help with licensing issues, and the consultants had certain instructions that appear below, so that the character reference letter is as well written and powerful as possible. Here is what one wrote when I, as a defense attorney, asked what the character letters should include.
“Letters attesting to your character are very important to show that you have the right associations and circle of friends, and these people are in the best position to attest to your good character and reputation. These letters should talk about your reputation for honesty and integrity, reformed character (if any), lifestyle changes (if any), maturity, reputation, work habits, or sharing a special “wonderful moment” story that highlights what a thoughtful, prudent, responsible and upstanding person you are.”
I think one of the most important parts is contained in the word “responsible”. If you are sending these instructions to a handful of people, understand that it wouldn’t be good that they all say the same exact thing. But I think it’s important to address the concern of the prosecutor and/or the judge that this may happen again. Showing that you are on a good path (work wise, or through your charity or volunteer work, or socially), or something along those lines that fits the person is helpful.
What are examples of Character Reference Letters and Letters of Recommendation?
Below, you will see a sample format for various letters. These are just samples, so none of them have to be exactly this way. We sorted through dozens, and most are about job references, but we picked the best we could find. You are free to modify any of these to address a particular issue, or to highlight particular positive aspects to the court or prosecutor.
Any Character Reference Letters and Letters of Recommendation should be signed, and have an email or a phone number that someone can follow up (even if they rarely will).
LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION FORMAT AND SAMPLES:
Personal Recommendation Letter Template
Salutation
When writing a personal recommendation letter, include a salutation (Dear Dr. Joyner, Dear Ms. Merrill, etc.). If you are writing a general letter, say “To Whom it May Concern” or simply don’t include a salutation and start with the first paragraph of the letter.
Paragraph 1
The first paragraph of the personal recommendation letter explains how you know the person you are recommending and why you are qualified to write a recommendation letter to recommend employment or graduate school. With a personal letter, you are writing a recommendation simply because you know the person and their character.
Paragraph 2
The second paragraph of a recommendation letter contains specific information on the person you are writing about, including why they are qualified, what they can contribute, and why you are providing a reference letter. If necessary, use more than one paragraph to provide details.
Paragraph 3
When writing a specific letter referring a candidate for a particular job opening, the recommendation letter will include information on how the person’s skills match the position they are applying for.
Summary
This section of the recommendation letter contains a brief summary of why are you are recommending the person. State that you “highly recommend” the person or you “recommend without reservation” or something similar.
Conclusion
The concluding paragraph of the recommendation letter contains an offer to provide more information. Include a phone number within the paragraph, include the phone number and email address in the return address section of your letter, or in your signature.
Sincerely,
Name
(555) 555-5555
Character Reference Letters and Letters of Recommendation One (1):
Dear {Recipient},
I am writing to tell you of the many fine qualities of {Name}, whom I have known for {length of time} in various capacities, including {ways in which you know the person being referenced}.
I have had the chance to get to know {Name}, and I say without a doubt that you are dealing with a person of very good moral character. {Name} operates with integrity, and never has a bad word to say about anyone. {He/she} is also hard working and dedicated, and never leaves a job unfinished.
On a personal level, may I just say that I really like {Name}, and I have no doubts about {his/her} abilities to succeed in the future.
Thank you,
{Sender}
(555) 555-5555
Character Reference Letters and Letters of Recommendation Two (2):
Sample Character Reference Letter
To Whom it May Concern:
I have had the pleasure of knowing Katherine Kingston for eight years. During the years of our acquaintance, I have known Katherine in many capacities. She has been my Mother’s Helper since the birth of my first child five years ago. Her responsibilities in that capacity have grown with the activity level of a now pre-schooler, and the addition of another child, now a toddler.
She has also been my riding student, and assisted me with the many tasks required to run a thoroughbred breeding facility. She has spent several summers working on the farm, as well as time during school vacations, after school, and weekends.
Katherine is an intelligent, capable, dedicated, and personable young woman. She is always quick on her feet, with sensible reactions in all the circumstances I’ve seen her in. I feel confident in saying that she is capable of handling any situation with thoughtfulness and maturity.
Jill Johnson
(555) 555-5555
Character Reference Letters and Letters of Recommendation Three (3):
Sample character reference letter written by an acquaintance, rather than an employer:
To Whom it May Concern:
I have known Jane Doe in a variety of capacities for many years. She has been my daughter’s riding instructor for the past several years. In addition, she is my partner in a small business where she is responsible for writing and editing articles and website content.
Jane is organized, efficient, extremely competent, and has an excellent rapport with people of all ages. Her communication skills, both written and verbal, are excellent.
In summary, I highly recommend Jane for any position or endeavor that she may seek to pursue. She will be a valuable asset for any organization.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
John Doe
(555) 555-5555
Character Reference Letters and Letters of Recommendation Four (4):
Personal Employment Reference Letter
To Whom it May Concern,
As a nanny to my eight-year-old twins for the past three years, Heather Pleat has proven herself to be a remarkably responsible, confident young woman.
I am amazed at the ease with which Heather can fulfill a variety of tasks. She has worked for me not only as a nanny, but also a tutor to my children and a housekeeper. She even finds time to volunteer at a local day care for single mothers. Not once have I seen Heather become overwhelmed by a given task or assignment.
I am confident that Heather’s intelligence and maturity will be great assets in any organization. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions.
Sincerely,
Janet Monroe
(555) 555-5555
Character Reference Letters and Letters of Recommendation Five (5):
Sample Personal Reference Letter
I am writing to recommend Ariel Jones for a position with the Town of Smithtown. I have known Ariel since she was a child and she is a highly qualified candidate for a position in town government. She has lived in Smithtown for most of her life, she is involved in her local community, her church, and her children’s schools.
Ariel has shown her commitment to the town as a Member of the Board of Appeals, and as an active participant in many community endeavors.
Ariel would be a tremendous asset to the town and I recommend her to you without reservation. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Mary Smith
(555) 555-5555
Character Reference Letters and Letters of Recommendation Six (6):
To Whom it May Concern:
I have had the pleasure of knowing Katherine Kingston for eight years. During the years of our acquaintance, I have known Katherine in many capacities. She has been my Mother’s Helper since the birth of my first child five years ago. Her responsibilities in that capacity have grown with the activity level of a now preschooler, and the addition of another child, now a toddler.
Katherine has also been involved with a variety of tasks at my retail business, a specialty shop fitting women for mastectomy, compression, maternity, and nursing products. Her experiences have included working on inventories, our newsletter, mailing list, and web design, as well as customer interface.
Katherine is an intelligent, capable, and personable young woman. She is always quick on her feet, with sensible reactions in all the circumstances I’ve seen her in. I feel confident in saying that she is capable of handling any situation with thoughtfulness and maturity.
Jackson Johnson
(555) 555-5555
Contact Our Law Firm.
If you have any questions about this, or in particular about the process of writing character reference letters for Orange County DUI cases, please contact us. Our firm is happy to help.
