Character References
What is a character reference?
A character reference is a letter to the Magistrate. It
is written by an adult who knows you. It is also known
as a personal reference.
A character references tells the Magistrate about
your character. This is important if you are pleading
guilty. The Magistrate will take your character
reference into account when deciding what your
Court outcome should be.
You can have as many character references as you
want. Two or three character references are ideal.
One page is a good length for a character reference.
The person writing your character reference is known
as a referee.
Who can write a character reference?
Your referee needs to be over the age of 18 and
must know you well. It is best if your referee has
known you for 2 or more years.
Your referee does not need to attend court
You should try to use someone who has good
standing in the community, such as an employer,
teacher or university professor.
Is it difficult to write a character reference?
It is not difficult to write a character reference. A
character reference is an honest opinion about your
character. It should be written in the referee’s own
words, and have a formal tone.
What does my referee need to write about?
If the matter is in the Children’s Court, the reference
needs to be addressed to:
The Presiding Magistrate
ACT Children’s Court
If the matter is in the Magistrates Court, the
reference needs to be addressed to:
The Presiding Magistrate
ACT Magistrate Court
Do not send the character reference to the Court.
The referee must put their address and occupation in
the character reference. It must also be signed.
Your referee needs to put your name on the
character reference. This will mean that the
Magistrate knows it is written about you.
Your referee needs to say how they know you. For
instance, as your employer, teacher, or family-friend.
Your referee needs to say how long they have known
you for.
Your referee must state that he or she knows about:
a) the charges that you are in Court for; and
b) any previous offences you have had.
Your referee can tell the Magistrate if you are sorry
about the offence, and if you have learnt anything
from your experience.
Character References
Your referee can write about any changes in your
behaviour since the offence.
Your referee can write about work, sports, hobbies,
charities, or any other community-activities you are
involved in.
Your referee can tell the Magistrate about special
problems you are facing which may have contributed
to you committing the offence.
Your referee can tell the Magistrate if your behaviour
was strange, or out-of-character.
If your referee is willing to support your
rehabilitation, this would be looked upon positively.
If your referee is your employer and if they are willing
for you to continue employment, this would also be
looked upon positively.
Tips
The reference letter should be typed out, not
hand-written.
Put the date at the top of the letter
Start with ‘Your Honour’
Make copies of the character reference, to keep
a record for yourself.
Avoid
Having a child, or someone under 18, write the
character reference.
Suggesting a sentence to the Magistrate.
Giving an original letter to the Magistrate. You
should keep the original, and send a copy.
Remember
Bring your character references to Court with you
and give them to your solicitor. If you are self-
represented, give them to the Magistrate.
Do not have your referee send the character
reference to the Magistrate or the Court. If you do
this, it is likely they it will get lose, and won’t be seen
by the Magistrate.
