Character Reference Letters for Court in Canada

People look for help with a character reference letter when someone they know is going to be sentenced. They want to know what to say, who should write it, and what a court will accept.

A character reference letter is a written statement from someone who knows the person well, such as a family member, friend, employer, or co-worker. It describes the person's character, their positive qualities, and the steps they have taken to put things right.

It is usually used at a sentencing hearing. A judge has discretion in sentencing, and a letter can help the judge see the person as a whole, not only the offence.

• Who you are and how you know the person.
• How long you have known them.
• Honest examples of their good character and conduct.
• Any steps they have taken to address what happened, such as counselling, treatment, or making amends.
• A respectful, truthful tone, without criticising the court, the victim, or the process.

Keep it brief, honest, and respectful. A letter that exaggerates or excuses the offence can do more harm than good. A sample letter template is available in our character reference letter template article.

This page cannot tell you what sentence a court will give, or how much weight a letter will carry in a specific case. That depends on the offence, the facts, and the judge.

If you or someone you know is being sentenced, a criminal defence lawyer can advise on whether a character reference letter would help, who should write it, and how it should be presented to the court.