Character References in Sentencing

When you have been charged with a criminal offence — and especially if you have pleaded guilty or been found guilty — a character reference can help the court decide what penalty to impose. A strong reference shows the court that you are more than your offending and that you have the support of people who know you well.

When Do You Need a Character Reference?

Character references are particularly useful at sentencing. They may help demonstrate:

Your genuine remorse and willingness to change
Your positive role in family, work, or community life
That you are supported by responsible, credible members of the community

The most persuasive references usually come from people who have known you for at least 12 months and have frequent contact with you.

What to Include in a Character Reference

To be effective, a reference should:

Be formal in tone, signed and dated
State the full name, occupation, and contact details of the referee
Explain how the referee knows you and for how long
Confirm that the referee is aware of the charges
Provide examples of your good character, achievements, or contributions
Be truthful and consistent with other evidence before the court

In some cases, it may also help for a character witness to attend court and give evidence in person.

Why They Matter

Courts give more weight to references that are current, informed, and credible. References that acknowledge the offending, yet still support your good character, can demonstrate strong prospects for rehabilitation. Outdated or uninformed references may carry little weight, and in some cases could harm your position.