To discuss your legal matter with a solicitor we offer an initial consultation where youll receive: To arrange your initial consultation with one of our solicitors, simply call us on 020 3007 5500. How Much Does It Cost to Change Your Name? The conclusion should state the basic idea underlying the introduction and the body of this letter. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. I always get tickled at the names the perpetrators give each other. The character reference for court is to provide the Judge a family member, friend, or co-worker with a written statement on the Defendants moral or mental qualities. It is written by a person that is well acquainted with the defendant. Place your Full Name on the first line, your Street Address on the second line, and your City/State/Zip Code on the third line Skip two lines then enter the current Date. Witness statements can be tough, though. It can turn a calm, easygoing person into a powder keg. Doing so establishes your relationship with the defendant. This article contains general legal information but does not constitute professional legal advice for your particular situation. Make sure to mention that you believe in this individuals ability to reform as well as abide by the courts ruling. However, if you do not have a compelling reason to give written testimony, the court usually requires that you appear in person. This is typically written as the name of the claimant or plaintiff, identified as such, followed by the word "and," then the name of the defendant, identified as the defendant. Again, you will need to consult the Defendant or his or her Attorney. Again, be truthful: Conclude by saying how the defendants incarceration will negatively affect their present, their future, their job, and their life. Tell the judge who you are writing the letter for. You should make sure to include observations you have made that suggest the hopeful Parent/Guardian will be a positive factor in the Minor or Childs life. The Greeting will begin your actual letter. An attorney might write have a statement written up and then ask the witness to sign it. Supply your Full Name, your Residential Street Address, and your City, State, and Zip Code. First, you will need to Identify yourself. Best Way to Write a Good Character Witness Statement. When writing a statement, you should provide any documentary evidence to support your statement. % of people told us that this article helped them. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Find out more about how were helping to provide for children and young people with complex neurodisabilities. For example, if a spouse is writing the statement, they may wish to include how long they have been married or living together. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Remember, ultimately, you will want to end the letter with an endorsement of the Defendant.Finally, close this letter with your Signature. Enter your Name and Residential Address on the first three lines of this page. For example, if custody is contested because one parent claims the other is an alcoholic, any information included in your affidavit should focus on that issue. Number the paragraphs and make sure that each paragraph has an idea or fact in it. Next, discuss how you met the defendant and how long you have known him or her. When writing a buddy letter, use VA form 21-10210. Your character reference letter writer is a witness on your behalf they should know you well, have first-hand knowledge of your relationship with your child and support your custody requests. For example, if you're the child's baseball coach, you might mention that Dad comes to every practice and every game and also helps the team in the dugout. Jennifer reviews, fact-checks, and evaluates wikiHow's legal content to ensure thoroughness and accuracy. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Avoid making paragraphs. Avoid phrases expressing your state of mind (e.g. Doing so will lend authenticity to your statement. Firstly, the document must be headered witness statement. Some courts prefer the title to be in all capital letters or underlined. It can turn a devoted husband or wife into a spouse who's moody and distant, or even . This is typically written as the name of the claimant or plaintiff, identified as such, followed by the word "and," then the name of the defendant, identified as the defendant. Indicate who you are writing this letter for, how you know the individual you are recommending, and how long you have known this individual. When selecting an individual who will write a character reference, it is important to select someone that has known you for a long period of time and also someone that the court will respect. <>>> Generally, titles are centered and in bold-face type. You should also understand why, so you can stick to the facts that will be relevant to resolving the contested issues. What is a witness statement? Each parent submits paperwork to the court detailing the arrangements they want, along with evidence to prove that their proposed arrangement is best for the child. Below, find a sample character reference letter and a character reference letter template that you can customize. Let the judge know that you are aware of the charges against the defendant. endobj It also gives the judge more information about who the parent is, how they take care of their child and why they should have custody. Formulate A Title. The court may use the witness evidence to support a partys case. Here you will outline the evidence to support the application in court. You should also include your own name, address, and phone number so that someone from the court can get in touch with you if necessary. The purpose of this letter is to assess the character of Miss Ashley Peterson and provide me opinion thereon. Witness statements: are the main way courts receive evidence End the statement with the following: Jim Treebold is a North Carolina based writer. This tool helps you do just that. Powered byBlacks Law Dictionary, Free 2nd ed., and The Law Dictionary. If you know of positive attributes of the. In this example, we shall assume a somewhat informal Subject line. Identify yourself and your involvement with the case in the opening paragraph. A good character witness statement should be written professionally as it will be reviewed by a judge. It will be up to the content of this letter to expand this perception and to state some positive attributes to the Defendant. You should finalize this letter by using an acceptable closing (i.e. For example, if you are the child's baseball coach and have observed the parent interact with the child at games and practices, you might mention how long you've been a youth baseball coach and approximately how many other parent-child relationships you've observed. Your email address will not be published. A witness statement may also be a valuable tool for refreshing the witnesss memory or for impeaching inaccurate or deceptive testimony given in court. In. Then describe your relation to the defendant or to the scene of the alleged crime. London Solicitors Office29 Farm StreetMayfairLondonW1J 5RL, Brighton Solicitors Office39 Church RoadHoveEast SussexBN3 2BE. ), then mention this as well. How Do I Get a Copy of My Criminal Record. Being dishonest damages your reputation and does not help the defendant. If there is other supporting information that portrays the defendant in a positive way, you should include this in another paragraph. endobj Character reference letters are usually a page long (two pages max). Contempt of court is punishable by up to two years imprisonment and a fine. Next, check to see if your state provides an affidavit form, which can be used as a template for your letter. Avoid using "we". LexisNexis Launches Law360 Pulse, a Comprehensive Business of Law News Service, Blog vs YouTube Over Other Websites: How to Choose, Behind the Story of Ghostbed vs. Purple Mattress Lawsuit, Investigation Reveals Goodyears Dunlop D402 Tires Have Caused Dozens of Motorcycle Accidents, Amputees Third Attempt at Holding Medical Personnel Responsible Pays Off. If it can be proven that you lied in an affidavit, you can be prosecuted for perjury. Leave enough space beneath the above statement for your signature and date. This type of statement is used by a judge to help them determine what type of sentence should be imposed. It is used either in the process of discovery as a preview of the full testimony or as the actual testimony in court. As a result, there will be some requirements that must be met. The statement must mention and clearly label the supporting evidence. A supportive statement should focus on providing competent and credible information that directly relates to the veteran's disability claim. Create a high quality document online now! Stage 3: Body of the statement. 4 0 obj Let the judge know who you are writing the . Instead of testifying in court, you would be writing down your testimony and signing it. endobj Richards has worked as a writer and journalist since 2005. Date- /xx/XXXX. The letters are typically optional, but one can go a long way in helping the judge understand you and your parenting. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. In this section, you must include the words I believe that the facts stated in this witness statement are true. It is also imperative that you indicate when this letter was written and submitted. We are unapologetic in our dedication to informing the public and unafraid to call out those who are more focused on profits than peoples safety. This is a grandparents adopting a minor grandchild case. If there will be no Subject Line, then it should be placed two lines below the Date. Nothing was computing very well. If using this form as a template, enter the Name of the Defendant on the blank line. If a jurisdiction requires a specific format, be sure to follow it exactly. Sample # 2. When you write a statement, you sign a statement of truth. Website by DogFish Design. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Posted on Nov 4, 2011. Explain how the defendants incarceration will affect his or her family and employer. I am a neighbor and know the child. As of early 2021, this is the new form for lay/witness statements that replaced form VA 21-4138 which is now used for personal statements (Statement in Support of a Claim) only. I was still kind of dazed and I wasn't exactly thinking clearly. In our example, we will be assuming the Defendant has already been found guilty or plead guilty and our goal will be to ask for leniency on his or her behalf.Next, we will need to establish the Defendants character. How to Write a Buddy Letter. Emphasize such traits as consistency, reliability and willingness to follow directions. It will also be important to declare your belief. Don't worry if you think a detail might not matter; just write down everything you . Share this article with them, along with its downloadable example and template. Ask the parent for whom you're writing the letter if this is necessary. Your statement will need a title. How to write a statement. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7c092902ef483a60 "I am being asked to sign an affidavit of character in good standing (learned that term here) in a letter form (they. Your IP: If you have specific questions, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction. When preparing a witness statement it is helpful to follow certain guidelines. Box Number, this must be a physical address. volunteer work, memberships, etc. You also need to include the location and date that you sign it for purposes of later verification. Each numbered statement typically covers one subject. Include Your Credentials In this context, "credentials" refers to the reason that you have been asked to give testimony. 1 0 obj Under this (usually on the right-hand side) you should insert details of: the application number and, if. A copy also will be provided to the other side in the custody dispute. Reiterate their strengths and commitment to supporting their child's best interests. Generally, writing out the name of the Month then entering the numerical Calendar Date and Year is standard. In other words, you need to explain to the court why you have the standing to speak about a certain issue. Identify yourself and your involvement with the case in the opening paragraph. If the DUI Defendant has mentioned seeking help for a substance abuse problem, make sure to state this intent. The character witness letter is an important letter that has a significant impact on someone's career, lifestyle, and even freedom. Highlight the parent's strengths, and show how they play an active role in their child's upbringing and overall well-being. 49.12.46.26 How old are you? Don't try to hide that fact. If there are any questions regarding this content and its length, you may wish to consult the Parent/Guardian or his or her Attorney. How to Get Small Business Grants for Felons, How to Expunge Your Record: Guide and FAQ, How to Bail Someone Out of Jail: Guide and FAQ. DZ)Ku9$~-+H'Jr|. +m (]ZT] Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Review and revise your statement as necessary. Begin by telling the judge when you first met the defendant and how long you have known them. For example, building a house for a needy family or operating a canned-food drive might be seen as indicating good character. Child Custody If you are in the midst of a custody battle or a general family hearing it would be advised to elect someone who has seen you with your children. For instance, after stating why you are writing this letter, state what you believe should happen to the Defendant. For example: (Date) Dear Judge Burnham, Introducing Yourself. If you know that she sometimes drinks, occasionally to excess, you should include that information. In writing your witness statement, write one sentence per paragraph. You would provide sworn testimony under penalty of perjury about things you have witnessed regarding their moral and ethical character. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. x[onqzE,/=`{)p=EpPz[gHI*r7/nn5{{~C}CfV]_syzY Veterans may fill out VA Form 21-10210 to submit a lay/witness statement. This shows your seriousness and truthfulness about what you have written. Be sure to include names of organizations as well as any other activities where the defendant was a participant. For instance, the Defendant could have had some extremely challenging hardships in his or her Professional or Personal life, such as the death of a family member he or she was close to. Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. Read More: How to Prepare a Will-Say Statement. Stay away from vague statements such as "Dad is an actively involved parent." This should appear as a mailing address on an envelope. Common character letter writers include close relatives, friends, co-workers and supervisors. It will be important to keep in mind that you may need to sign further documentation or even give a physical testimony in court as to this letters authenticity. These could be items such as volunteering for the community, working with charitable organizations or coaching young adults. If the defendant has done volunteer work in the community, provide names of the organizations and the types of activities he or she participated in. These statements must contain, the Purpose of this document, the Name of the DUI Defendant, your Relationship to the DUI Defendant, and how long you have known the DUI Defendant as such. You will be asked to read through the finished statement and sign it. Drunk Driving (DUI) If you are in need of a reference for a drunk-driving (DUI) incident maybe it is best to have someone like an employer or close family state how important you are to them. Conclusion (1 paragraph): Clearly restate your support of the parent's custody requests. During the time that I have known (name), I have realized that he / she has been very reliable and trust worthy. We take pride in exposing the hypocrisy of corporations, other organizations, and individuals whose actions put innocent people in harms way. Give your name, your address, your age and your occupation. %PDF-1.5 It should begin with the date and include the name of the judge and title. The Custody X Change app has many tools to help with your child custody case. PTSD can turn a friendly, outgoing person into a withdrawn loner. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. A witness statement is a document setting out the evidence of the person writing the witness statement. The case caption contains the basic information surrounding the case, including the case number, the names of involved parties, the state and county, and the name of the courthouse. A witness statement may also come in the form of a recorded statement, with the witness testifying to its accuracy on the recording. In high-conflict cases where parents make allegations against each other, character reference letters can help the judge get more information. You may use traditional, formal court language if you prefer, which is "Comes now [your name], a nonparty, and states as follows:" followed by numbered statements. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". The stages of developing a witness statement. 2 0 obj When this task is done, make a statement of declaration to recommend this individual to have custody of the concerned Minor or Child.The next paragraph will be the heart of the letter you are composing. Writing A Good Character Witness Statement. "I thought" or "I believe"). Therefore, our solicitors have broken the process down into four easy to follow stages. When youre finished, dont forget to get your affidavit signed by a notary, and make a copy for your records. I, Erich Johansson of Unit 12/5 Example Street, Redfern, NSW 2016 and Storeperson state: have numbered paragraphs. You will need to identify the Defendant as the subject, report how you know the Defendant, and the length of time this relationship has existed. n*fn"dth#2PAe0(v>>!&tH;9*C&; $?iPepLD1K"\gCGDY4:{0PP]{XUm@h: /irEk0g V?DF0,{0fc`w) s>aWE!^v x . To prevent your witness statement from getting lost in the shuffle, you should include the case number and name of the case, if known, toward the top of your statement. Best Way to Write a Professional Letter to a Judge. The court clerk has to handle a lot of paperwork pertaining to the different proceedings that happen on a daily basis. Show the court specific facts or instances that illustrate the good character of the person, rather than simply saying the person has a good reputation, or that in your opinion s/he has strong morals. Character Witness Letter: Your colleagues, friends, and other acquaintances are people who know you well and can describe you as a person and a professional. Here are some tips for writing a statement the court will accept. 4 attorney answers. Skip two lines after your Name and Address then, enter the current date. This recent article outlines how you can write your statement in four simple stages. Reproduce conversations in the first person, using direct quotation, to the best of your ability. By using our site, you agree to our. For example: Begin the first paragraph with your name and profession. Since the letter is going to be reviewed by a judge, the format and tone of the statement must be professional. Print your name below your Signature. Make a statement regarding your belief that the person for whom you're writing the affidavit has a good moral and ethical character. It is important to keep in mind that a Letter of Reference for a DUI Defendant will be an official document in a court of law. The character witness letter is often used in child custody cases, drunk driving occurrences, or severe criminal cases where it is . I've read some that started out like this, "Well, me and Dippety Doo (that's my cousin) were shooting dice and then Moopy came up and pulled out a gun." At the center of the page, write the name of the case. If the defendant is a good provider for the family or is devoted to his or her family, bring that up and provide examples. It helps to provide specific examples of positive actions they have taken to better themselves or others. A police officer will write down or record what you saw, heard or know. In our example, we shall assume the defense attorney has requested a somewhat standard and generic greeting.The introduction to this letter will need to provide a few items. Source of information.