What is a character reference?
A character reference is a letter to the Magistrate. It
is written by an adult who knows you. It is also known
as a personal reference.
A character references tells the Magistrate about
your character. This is important if you are pleading
guilty. The Magistrate will take your character
reference into account when deciding what your
Court outcome should be.
You can have as many character references as you
want. Two or three character references are ideal.
One page is a good length for a character reference.
The person writing your character reference is known
as a referee.
Who can write a character reference?
Your referee needs to be over the age of 18 and
must know you well. It is best if your referee has
known you for 2 or more years.
Your referee does not need to attend court
You should try to use someone who has good
standing in the community, such as an employer,
teacher or university professor.
Is it difficult to write a character reference?
It is not difficult to write a character reference. A
character reference is an honest opinion about your
character. It should be written in the referee’s own
words, and have a formal tone.
What does my referee need to write about?
If the matter is in the Children’s Court, the reference
needs to be addressed to:
The Presiding Magistrate
ACT Children’s Court
If the matter is in the Magistrates Court, the
reference needs to be addressed to:
The Presiding Magistrate
ACT Magistrate Court
Do not send the character reference to the Court.
The referee must put their address and occupation in
the character reference. It must also be signed.
Your referee needs to put your name on the
character reference. This will mean that the
Magistrate knows it is written about you.
Your referee needs to say how they know you. For
instance, as your employer, teacher, or family-friend.
Your referee needs to say how long they have known
you for.
Your referee must state that he or she knows about:
a) the charges that you are in Court for; and
b) any previous offences you have had.
Your referee can tell the Magistrate if you are sorry
about the offence, and if you have learnt anything
from your experience.