Enter your Name and Residential Address on the first three lines of this page. The Introduction should be made up of one or two statements. Here's a quick four-part template your witness can use when crafting a buddy letter. 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. Once, this initial information has been tended to, it will be time to open the letter by greeting the recipient. In some cases, the format may be Last Name, First Name, Case Number while, in others it may be the Case Number first, and still others only the Case Number or the Name. This article was written by Jennifer Mueller, JD. Explain how the person you're writing about did performed his tasks well. The statement must mention and clearly label the supporting evidence. Writing a character witness statement for a defendant may help them receive a reduced sentence. In high-conflict cases where parents make allegations against each other, character reference letters can help the judge get more information. That is, specifically state your desire for this letter to be taken as a serious character reference and what impact you hope it will have. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. In a circumstance where youve knowingly made a false statement, the court can hold you in contempt of court. You might also ask your child's teacher or caregiver if they know you well and have personal knowledge of your parenting. Open the letter with a Greeting to the recipient. Share this article with them, along with its downloadable example and template. A witness statement is a brief summary of a witness's testimony. Under this title, you should include the following details: When making a witness statement, the second stage is to include your details. such as love) you may hold for the Defendant. Explain how the defendant has learned from their mistake, what steps they have taken to change, and that you believe they will not make the same mistake again. Sincerely, Signed, Best Wishes, etc.). Enter the current Date by writing out the Month then entering the two-digit calendar day and four-digit year.Generally, it is a good idea to note the subject of this letter immediately in the Title. Heading and salutation: Use business-letter formatting and include information required by the court, such as the case number. A simple one, stating the hopeful Parent/Guardians Name and/or Case Number, will suffice. Because a court proceeding is formal, you may be tempted to describe the event in writing from a third-person point of view. Doing so establishes your relationship with the defendant. There should be a minimum of two to three statements here. In our example, we shall use the Full Name. The character witness letter is often used in child custody cases, drunk driving occurrences, or severe criminal cases where it is . If you have a friend or relative involved in a contested custody case, they may ask you for a character affidavit. Witness statement header The statement must be headed 'Witness statement'. For instance, after stating why you are writing this letter, state what you believe should happen to the Defendant. Source of information. Clearly state your overall assessment of the parent's character and parenting, and finish the introduction with a statement in support of the parent's custody requests. This type of statement is used by a judge to help them determine what type of sentence should be imposed. After all, the recipient(s) of this letter will likely only know the DUI Defendant as a result and in relation to the DUI Offense. Identify yourself and your involvement with the case in the opening paragraph. Specify the time and date of the occurrence. Similar to a declaration letter, it's a statement to the judge that supports a parent's requested custody arrangements. This establishes your history and relationship. stream Writing A Good Character Witness Statement. 2 0 obj The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Give your name, your address, your age and your occupation. Therefore, if youre concerned about making mistakes, dont hesitate to contact a solicitor for assistance or draft the statement on your behalf. Many victims have found it helpful to voice how their lives have been impacted by the crime committed against them physically, financially, emotionally and even spiritually. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. If the DUI Defendant has mentioned seeking help for a substance abuse problem, make sure to state this intent. Identify yourself and your involvement with the case in the opening paragraph. He has written for various publications, including the alt-weekly "Creative Loafing" in Florida as well as Manhattan's "New York Press" and "Blackbook Magazine." Highlight the parent's strengths, and show how they play an active role in their child's upbringing and overall well-being. Since an attorney has drafted your affidavit, s/he probably will provide a notary public and arrange for you to sign your affidavit, usually in the attorney's office. "I am being asked to sign an affidavit of character in good standing (learned that term here) in a letter form (they. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7c092902ef483a60 The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Let the judge know who you are writing the . These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Follow the general writing advice: "show, don't tell." It gives the other party a chance to decide how to deal with that testimony in advance. This task should be completed in the upper left-hand corner of the first page. (Date) To the Sentencing Judge, Your Honor, I have known (name) for (years) as (state relationship), and we have shared a close friendship through the years. When writing a buddy letter, use VA form 21-10210. Write a heading in an upper corner of the page. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". The court will likely forgive a genuine lapse in memory, but if there is reason to believe that you have purposely omitted significant details, that could get you into big trouble. A witness statement can help the defense create a more thorough case. Giving a witness statement. Your Free Online Legal Dictionary Featuring Blacks Law Dictionary, 2nd Ed. 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. Instead, provide specific instances of Dad's active involvement. Remember that writing a character reference makes you a witness in the case, so take your role and the letter seriously. They should be someone who has frequently observed your parenting and who can authentically speak to your character. Provide them with your court's requirements (e.g., format, page length, if the letter needs to be sealed in an envelope). It is written by a person that is well acquainted with the defendant. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. The statement must mention and clearly label the supporting evidence. Try your best to remain balanced. Supply your Full Name, your Residential Street Address, and your City, State, and Zip Code. Oftentimes, the subject will be in a court case and this letter will be submitted by his or her defense attorney directly to the presiding judge. However, unlike a declaration letter, a character reference letter is written by someone who knows the parent (instead of the parent themself). By using the website, you agree to our use of cookies to analyze website traffic and improve your experience on our website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. 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. When you write a statement, you sign a statement of truth. How Do I Get a Copy of My Criminal Record. Without a statement, all the judge knows about the defendant is the crime committed and how the defendant acts in court. If your observations are not relevant to anything at issue in the case, they won't be admissible. He works as a business consultant for InnovateBTS where he helps companies integrate technology to improve performance. To learn how to work with an attorney to draft an affidavit, read more from our Legal co-author. It does not store any personal data. Tell the judge who you are writing the letter for. The heading should include the name of the party for whom the statement is being prepared, the date of the witness statement and the case number. Below, find a sample character reference letter and a character reference letter template that you can customize. The introduction should state who you are, how long youve known the individual, and why you feel the need to make this recommendation to the court. This step is not omitted when you give a written witness statement. These are the people who can write a character letter for you which you can present at your next company or in matters of the judiciary. State the time and date (to the extent possible) and detail the incident, event details, including the abuse (verbal, physical, emotional) as well as any LEA response, ER visit . Cookies make subsequent visits to our site faster and tailored to your needs. ", How to Write a Character Affidavit for Child Custody, http://www.gregoryforman.com/faqs/how-does-one-draft-an-affidavit/, http://www.iowalegalaid.org/resource/affidavits, http://family.findlaw.com/child-custody/child-custody-forms-by-state.html/, http://definitions.uslegal.com/c/caption/, http://www.ccrod.org/notary/acknowledgments.pdf. The relevant details include your: The body of the witness statement is the crucial stage. Share examples that demonstrate how the parent cares for their child and supports their best interests. Both parents can submit a character reference letter as part of this paperwork. x[onqzE,/=`{)p=EpPz[gHI*r7/nn5{{~C}CfV]_syzY This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The introductory paragraph to this Letter of Recommendation will serve a specific Purpose. Sounds like what you hear on "Cops" all the time. When parents can't agree on custody, a judge (or other court official, such as a magistrate) decides the custody orders. Each numbered statement typically covers one subject. An application number and, if applicable, the opposition/cancellation number, The name of the applicant/proprietor that the application is looking to support, The name of the defendant/applicant for cancellation (if applicable). Print your name below your Signature. You should write the letter as if you were simply writing an informative letter to a friend telling about the claimant's life and the challenges he/she faces do to the disability. 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. The heading information at the top of the first page of the affidavit is called the "caption." Number the paragraphs and make sure that each paragraph has an idea or fact in it. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. This tool helps you do just that. In this context, credentials refers to the reason that you have been asked to give testimony. Identify if you have any medical conditions that may affect your ability to remember things. endobj For example, personal knowledge, company records, or others. Make sure they understand that the letter will be used as evidence in your case and become part of the official court record. Since the letter is going to be reviewed by a judge, the format and tone of the statement must be professional. In. For our purposes, this will be a judge. 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. The body of the witness statement is the crucial stage. Common character letter writers include close relatives, friends, co-workers and supervisors. I, Erich Johansson of Unit 12/5 Example Street, Redfern, NSW 2016 and Storeperson state: have numbered paragraphs. Heres How Filing for Bankruptcy May Affect Your Spouse, How To Find The Value Of Old Money Today (Bills, Notes, Currency). Be objective. 3. This should appear as a mailing address on an envelope. Get up to $3,345 per month. You may want to consider the following suggestions: could also include the following information: It is possible in some cases, such as in small claims court or other less formal settings, that the witness statement itself will replace actual testimony. In writing your witness statement, write one sentence per paragraph. Ideally, parents should work together to create their parenting plan, parenting time schedule and child support agreement. "The article uses simple wording and tremendous basic steps, in short, teaches at any level comprehension.". Occasionally, the unedited witness statements are the best part about a case. Try and put one fact or idea in each paragraph. It will also be important to declare your belief. Do not exaggerate and do not make any suppositions, i.e., guesses as to another persons state of mind or ideas that you cannot prove one way or the other. <> Legal Reader is devoted to protecting consumers. 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. As you write, include any facts that may be important. As you write your affidavit, include specific examples of good character, such as the persons roles in the community or as a parent. Use spell- and grammar-checking tools, and proofread carefully. Let the judge know who you are writing the character witness statement for. Richards has worked as a writer and journalist since 2005. By letting the judge know that you are aware of the charges committed by the defendant, it shows that you are still willing to write a good character witness statement for them. A character reference letter to the court can be an important part of a disputed custody case. You may also need a character reference letter if you have issues that can cause a parent to lose custody, such as a DUI conviction or criminal record. Witness statements are so important, as they can profoundly impact the outcome of a court case.