Support Letter Guide
Character Letter for Court: What a Support Letter May Include
A character letter is usually written by someone who knows the person and can truthfully describe what they have seen. It is not a clinical evaluation, a treatment report, a legal brief or proof of innocence.
Quick answer
What Is a Character Letter?
- Written by someone who knows the person.
- Describes real observations truthfully.
- Not a clinical evaluation, treatment report or legal brief.
- Not proof of innocence.
Stay within what you know
A Character Letter Should Stay Within What the Writer Actually Knows
Flow from relationship to direct observations, examples and counsel review.
Relationship to the person
How long they have known them
Direct observations
Specific examples
Current support / responsibilities
Defense counsel review
Writers
Who May Write a Character Letter?
Family, friends, employers, teachers, faith leaders or community members who know the person well. Counsel can advise who is most appropriate.
Cautions
What a Letter Should Not Do
- Minimize the offense
- Attack victims
- Argue legal innocence
- Diagnose the person
- Make promises about future behavior
Unless counsel specifically directs otherwise as part of legal strategy.
Not the same
Character Letters vs Other Documents
A personal letter from the defendant is covered in Mitigation Letter to Judge. Clinical information belongs in provider documents such as a Treatment Plan or Court Progress Report.
Process
How Letters Are Submitted
Rules differ by court. Give letters to defense counsel, who decides whether and how to submit them.
Legal note
Submitting letters is a legal decision. Counsel handles it; the court decides what weight they get.
What ETS can and cannot do
Where Executive Treatment Solutions Fits
ETS does not write character letters for others or guarantee they will be accepted. ETS can coordinate services and help organize authorized records.
Responsibilities
Who Does What?
Letter writer
Describes what they truthfully know.
Defense counsel
Reviews and decides submission.
Court
Decides what weight a letter gets.
ETS
Helps organize authorized records.
Questions
Character Letter for Court: Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & Legal References
California Rules of Court
Confidential consultation
Organized Support for Your Case
ETS can coordinate services and authorized records while counsel reviews letters.
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