A character reference can help a court understand the person it is sentencing. Answer a few questions and the builder writes a letter that says how you know them, that you know about the offence, and what they are really like, with examples. Free to copy, download or print.
What the court wants to read
Who you are and what you do: the court weighs a reference by who wrote it.
How long you have known the person, and how.
That you know what they have pleaded guilty to, or been found guilty of, so the court knows your view is informed.
Real examples of their character: what they do for family, work or the community.
Anything they have done since: paying back, getting help, changing what led to it.
What to leave out
Don't say they are innocent or argue with the verdict: that is for their lawyer.
Don't suggest a sentence. You can say what a sentence would mean for the people who depend on them.
Don't exaggerate. You may be asked to confirm what you wrote, and misleading a court is a serious matter.
Who to send it to, and when
Give it to the person's solicitor, not to the court, in good time before the hearing: a couple of days at the latest. The solicitor decides whether to use it. Keep a copy.
Address it "Dear Sir or Madam" and sign it. Include a phone number or email so it can be checked.
Character reference for court examples
Character reference for court from an employer
Knows about the guilty plea; examples from work.
21 October 2026
Dear Sir or Madam,
Character reference for James Carter
My name is Margaret Holloway, Manager, Hilltop Garden Centre. I have known James Carter for 6 years, as one of my full-time staff.
I know that James Carter has pleaded guilty to driving without due care and attention, and I am writing this letter knowing that it will be read by the court.
In that time I have found James to be reliable, honest and good with people.
He opens the centre three mornings a week and is trusted with the keys and the day's takings. When we take on new staff, he is the person I ask to train them.
Since the accident he has volunteered for a road safety course and has been open with us about what happened.
In my experience, this offence is out of character, and I hope the court will take this letter into account. I am happy to be contacted on 07700 900123 if anything in this letter needs confirming.
Yours faithfully,
Margaret Holloway Manager, Hilltop Garden Centre
Character reference for court from a friend
Written by someone who has known them for years.
21 October 2026
Dear Sir or Madam,
Character reference for James Carter
My name is Daniel Price, Youth football coach. I have known James Carter for 12 years, through the youth football club he has helped run since 2014.
I know that James Carter has pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled drug, and I am writing this letter knowing that it will be read by the court.
In that time I have found James to be kind, reliable and respectful.
He coaches the under-11s every Saturday and has never missed a match day. When a family at the club lost their home, he organised the collection that paid their deposit.
In my experience, this offence is out of character, and I hope the court will take this letter into account. I am happy to be contacted on 07700 900123 if anything in this letter needs confirming.
Yours faithfully,
Daniel Price Youth football coach
Questions people ask
Who should write a character reference for court?
Someone who has known the person for a while and can speak about them honestly: an employer, a teacher, a coach, a faith leader or a long-standing friend. A reference from someone respected in their community carries more weight, but honesty matters most.
Do I have to mention the offence?
Yes. The court needs to know that you know what the person has done, so your opinion is informed. The builder adds this line when you choose that they have pleaded or been found guilty.
Who do I send a character reference to?
The person's solicitor, before the hearing. They decide whether and how to use it. Keep a copy.
Can a family member write a character reference?
Yes, but the court will know a relative is close to them, so specific examples matter even more. References from people outside the family can carry more weight.
More letters for work
Resignation letter: Notice to leave, with your last working day worked out.
Retirement letter: Formal notice that you're retiring, with your last day worked out.
Character reference: For a job, a tenancy or court, written from real examples.
Job offer letters: Accept, decline or ask for more, with your resign-by date.
Reference letters: Ask someone to be your referee, or write a reference.