Discussion Post: Parole Board Character Reference Letter for Inmate
Thinking through an effective sentencing strategy includes thoughts about the character reference letters. Every defendant has an opportunity to submit character reference letters that may make an impression on the judge. But what makes a good character reference letter for the court?
In the fall of 2016, our team interviewed Judge Mark Bennett and he spoke specifically about character reference letters. Judge Bennett said that he has read somewhere between 30,000 and 40,000 character reference letters.
He based his estimate on the fact that he has sentenced more than 4,000 people. On average, Judge Bennett said that defendants submit between seven and nine character reference letters. Some defendants, however, go overboard. He spoke about one defendant who submitted 100 character reference letters.
The response should include a reference list. One-inch margins, Using Times New Roman 12 pnt font, double-space and APA style of writing and citations.