How to write a character reference for court

The reference should be

- preferably one page but no more than two

- neatly written or typed

- signed and dated

The reference should be addressed to:

- The Chief Clerk (if Crown Court proceedings)

- The Clerk to the Justices (if Magistrates’ Court proceedings)

The referee should include: 

- their name and occupation

- how long they have known you

- how they know you

- their opinion of your character

- any examples of matters demonstrating your good character

- any other relevant matters
 

The referee should not include: 

- their opinion of the appropriate sentence

- anything false or something they are not sure about

- anything they would not be happy seeing printed in a newspaper