Character Reference for Court

Should I have a character reference for Court?

Character testimonials or references are very important if you have to attend the Local Court.

They provide the Magistrate with a clear picture of who you are. 

Testimonials help the Magistrate to find out about your background, your work and family commitments, and your positive attributes.

Who should write my character reference for Court?

The best character testimonials are written by people that have known you for a significant amount of time and/or know you very well.

In our experience, the best people to write these testimonials are employers, close friends, family friends. Or people that you think are of good character themselves.

What does a character reference for Court need to include?

If you are planning on asking someone to write you a reference you should advise them of the following:

• The reference should be dated and signed;
• The reference should be addressed to the ‘Presiding Magistrate’ and the Magistrate should be referred to as ‘Your Honour”;
• The reference should acknowledge that the person writing the reference know why you are before the court;
• The reference should express an opinion about you, but not about your guilt or innocence or the type of sentence that should be imposed;
• Whether the person writing the reference would be willing to give oral evidence if this is required;
• At the bottom of the reference the person writing the reference should print their name, address and occupation below their signature;
• The reference should not be more than one page in length.

How long should a character reference for Court be?

In our experience Magistrates only have time to read two short references before making their decision. Quality is better than quantity.