what are character letters

Character letters, also known as "sentencing letters" or "character reference letters," are written by friends, family, colleagues, and others who know the defendant in criminal cases. These letters are designed to show support for a defendant in a criminal case and have the potential to influence the court and may even impact the ultimate sentence in a criminal case. Character letters can play a significant role in criminal cases, and they may be used to impress prosecutors to offer a better outcome. They are also used in some sentencing phases, especially where the judge provides a limited time for live witnesses. The best character letters often begin with the writer explaining who he or she is and what he or she does. The letter should then explain how long and under what circumstances the writer has known the defendant and provide specific examples of the defendants positive qualities, such as honesty, integrity, and work ethic. A character letter should also include the writer's contact information, including their name, mailing address, phone number, and email address, so that the court can verify their information.