Character is often defined as an evaluation of a person’s moral and mental qualities. The article below provides you with a character witness statement sample.
“Everyone tries to define this thing called Character. It’s not hard. Character is doing what’s right when nobody’s looking.”
People feel a constant need to define what we call “character”. After all, isn’t it our character that allows us to command respect for ourselves? It seems almost unfortunate then, when people feel the need to point a finger at that very character. As clichéd as it may sound, a man without a character to vouch for, doesn’t have much going for him. It’s true, the age-old character validation bit, can never go wrong. That apart, who is a character witness, and what is it that is required of him? A character witness is a person who attests to another persons moral conduct or good reputation in a court of law. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to keep in mind that when writing a character witness statement for court, one ought to be very particular with regards to the content of the statement.
One may not realize, but character reference letters for court appearances could play a very large role is defining the rest of somebody’s life. The very fact that a person is making an appearance in court is enough to say something, and it is for this very reason that there is no scope for any mistake. When writing a character witness statement, this evaluation of a person’s qualities is the only thing that matters. You never know when you may be asked to write one for somebody you know. This may sound fairly intimidating by now, so some character certificate proformas are enlisted in the paragraphs to follow so that if ever the need arises, you know exactly how to write one.
Writing a Character Witness Statement
- It’s almost evident that when writing a character witness statement, you need to focus on the positive aspects about the character of the person in question.
- Basic, but essential qualities to focus on at a time like this are decency, honesty, integrity, reliability, etc. It also wouldn’t hurt to mention the amount of time that you’ve known the person for, as well as in what capacity.
- The longer the years you’ve known the person, the more likely it is that you are aware of his true character. In fact, doing so will only help make the statement more credible, because it’ll put across the fact that you’ve known the person long enough to speak in his favor, and that you have an idea of who he truly is.
- It would also be wise to add that you are aware of the purpose behind the court appearance. If anything, that will only act as evidence that you know the person in question rather closely, and that the letter is more than a mere favor.
- The statement must be as clear and concise as possible. Stay away from fancy words and terms. There is absolutely no requirement of any such language.
- Once you have all the essential points jotted down, make a fair copy of the document to present to the lawyers so that they have ample time to go over it.
- Make sure that the final copy that is being handed over has been typed, and is not handwritten.
Sample # 1
To whom it may concern,
Person’s Full Name (Person appearing)
I have known (name) for (years) as (state relationship e.g. friend, business associate, etc.). I can vouch for him / her, and say that he / she has been a person of morals and integrity over the time we have known each other.
I can further state that (name) has been immensely dedicated to his family and work, and a loving person towards friends too.
He / She has been known to be helpful and charitable, and is a much-loved person by all.
For your information, I am (state profession / position, and points to prove your own credibility).
Yours faithfully,
(Name)
(Position if applicable).
Sample # 2
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.
During the time that I have known (name), I have realized that he / she has been very reliable and trust worthy. (Name) has been through tough times, but has been very successfully made it through, and now has a well settled life.
I am aware that (name) has been charged for (state charge against person), but you may rest assured that he / she has never indulged in such behavior in the past, and what happened on that day was a mere lapse of judgment.
(Name) is embarrassed by his / her behavior, and is willing to pay for any damage that has been caused.
Yours sincerely,
(Name)
These were just two samples in order to give you an idea about character witness statements, because as mentioned before, a man with an unreliable character hardly has much coming his way. And, never forget:
“Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.”
