Writing to the judge and character ref's

[Suzieb]

My boyfriend is up in court in a few weeks for ABH and I've been trying to put my mind at ease by reading about it as much as possible, because neither of us know what to expect.

I've noticed whilst reading about it on the internet that some people write to the judge to ask for leniant sentancing and explain the effects it would have on their life if they were given a lengthy sentance etc.

How would I go about this and would there be much point in doing it?

Also, his solicitor hasn't been in touch for a while and I would presume that we should be getting character references together by now? We asked last month and were told is was too soon, but I thought it would make sense to do it sooner rather than later?

Any help appreciated, I've recieved some really helpful answers on here in the past.

[almcd007]

Your best plan is to distance your boyfriend from the crime alleged as much as possible in that you have explain and convince the judge that it was totally out of character. However this doesnt work if he has a string of previous offences !!

Employers - people of good character i.e doctors, professional people etc are the best references and of course people who have known him a long time.

I'd be lining people up for these ref's already as they can take a while to come through.

[NORMANTHEDOG]

has he got any previous convictions,and be truthful

[Suzieb]

No he's no previous convictions THANK GOD.
And if you saw how skinny and nerdy looking my boyfriend was, you'd be surprised he was capable of hurting a fly.

Thanks for the answer. What sort of people can NOT give references? Cause a family friend is a police officer, but we weren't sure if family friends were allowed to give references or not.

[almcd007]

Anyone can - get the reference and either send them directly to the Judge at court with all the ref numbers or give them to your solicitor - who should then pass them on.

[hotbill]

your best bet may be to speak with his solicitor and appear at court at the sentancing trial. This is done separate from the main trial and usually no one is there apart from the legal bods and the judge. You can then make representations direct to the judge. I think this has more effect than a letter.

good luck