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General Letter of Support Template for DUI Case (Family / Friends / Employer)
Offer a respectful, structured letter of support for a DUI case from a family member, friend, or employer.
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General Letter of Support Template for DUI Case (Family / Friends / Employer)
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General Letter of Support Template for DUI Case (Family / Friends / Employer)
[Your Full Name]
[Your Job Title, if applicable]
[Company/Organization Name, if applicable]
[Street Address]
[City, State/Province, ZIP/Postal Code]
[Phone Number]
[Email Address]
[Date]
[Name of Court]
Attn: The Honorable [Judge’s Full Name]
[Street Address]
[City, State/Province, ZIP/Postal Code]
1. Subject and Identification
Re: Letter of Support for [Defendant’s Full Name] – DUI Case No. [Case Number]
2. Introduction and Relationship
Dear Judge [Judge’s Last Name],
My name is [Your Full Name]. I am [brief description, e.g., “the employer of,” “a close friend of,” “the parent of,” “the spouse/partner of”] [Defendant’s Full Name]. I have known [him/her/them] for approximately [number] years.
During this time, I have come to know [Defendant’s Name] as [short description, e.g., “a hard-working and caring person,” “a devoted parent,” “a reliable employee,” “a supportive friend”].
3. Awareness of the DUI Case
I am aware that [Defendant’s Full Name] is before the Court in connection with a charge of driving under the influence arising from an incident on or about [Date of DUI Incident] in [City, State/Province]. I understand that this is a serious matter and that impaired driving can put both the driver and others at risk.
4. Character and Responsibilities
Based on my experience with [Defendant’s Name], I have observed the following qualities and responsibilities:
Family and personal responsibilities: [Description, e.g., “cares for children,” “supports elderly parents,” “is actively involved with family activities,” “is a dependable partner or family member”].
Work, school, or community responsibilities: [Description, e.g., “maintains steady employment,” “is punctual and reliable at work,” “participates in community or faith-based activities,” “supports coworkers or classmates”].
Personal character: [Description, e.g., “honest,” “respectful,” “hard-working,” “kind,” “willing to help others,” “takes responsibility for mistakes”].
5. Changes and Efforts Since the DUI Incident
Since the DUI incident, I have seen [Defendant’s Name] take steps to address what happened and to reduce the risk of anything similar occurring again. These steps include:
Participation in [DUI education classes / counseling / treatment / AA or NA / other support meetings], as I understand it.
Changes in lifestyle and habits, such as [“avoiding driving after consuming alcohol,” “planning transportation in advance,” “reducing or eliminating alcohol use,” “spending more time on positive activities”].
Efforts to stay focused on responsibilities at [work/school/home] and to maintain stability for [his/her/their] family and dependents.
From what I have observed, this experience has had a significant impact on [Defendant’s Name], and [he/she/they] appears to be taking it seriously.
6. Impact on Others and Support Going Forward
[Defendant’s Name] plays an important role in the lives of others, including:
[Family impact, e.g., “providing financial support,” “being present for children’s daily needs and events,” “assisting with caregiving responsibilities.”]
[Work or community impact, e.g., “contributing to the success of the team at work,” “providing consistent and reliable service,” “participating in community or volunteer activities.”]
I, along with other family members, friends, or colleagues, intend to continue supporting [Defendant’s Name] as [he/she/they] works to move forward in a positive and responsible way.
7. Opinion and Respectful Request
In my opinion, this DUI incident does not reflect the whole of who [Defendant’s Full Name] is as a person. While it was a serious mistake, I believe [he/she/they] has the capacity to learn from it and to continue making progress in recovery and personal responsibility.
I respectfully ask the Court to take this letter, and [Defendant’s Name]’s character, responsibilities, and efforts since the incident, into consideration when making decisions in this case. I understand that the Court must prioritize public safety and follow the law, and I offer this letter simply to provide additional context from someone who knows [Defendant’s Name] personally.
8. Closing and Contact Information
Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and consider my perspective. If the Court or counsel needs to contact me for limited clarification, I may be reached at [Phone Number] or [Email Address].
Respectfully,
[Your Signature, if printed]
[Your Full Name]
[Date]
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General Letter of Support Template for DUI Case (Family / Friends / Employer)
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For quick answers, scroll below to see the FAQ.
Click below for detailed info on the template.
For quick answers, scroll below to see the FAQ.
GENERAL LETTER OF SUPPORT TEMPLATE FOR DUI CASE (FAMILY / FRIENDS / EMPLOYER) FAQ
What is a general letter of support in a DUI case?
A general letter of support in a DUI case is a character reference written by a family member, friend, employer, or other person who knows the defendant. It describes the person’s character, responsibilities, efforts after the DUI, and positive contributions to family, work, or community. Courts and probation sometimes review these letters at sentencing or in connection with probation, treatment, or license-related decisions.
Who can write a DUI support or character reference letter?
A DUI support or character reference letter can be written by people who have meaningful, firsthand knowledge of the defendant, such as a spouse or partner, parent, adult child, sibling, close friend, employer, supervisor, coworker, teacher, coach, mentor, or community or faith leader. The most helpful letters come from individuals who can describe real observations of the person’s behavior and efforts to change, not just general compliments.
What should I include in a general letter of support for a DUI case?
A helpful general letter of support for a DUI case usually includes: your name and contact information; your relationship to the person and how long you have known them; your observations about their character, responsibilities, and contributions; your awareness of the DUI incident; any positive changes or steps they have taken since the incident (treatment, meetings, sobriety efforts, safer habits); and a respectful statement of support or hope for fair consideration by the court.
Can I ask the judge for leniency in a DUI support letter?
In many courts, it is acceptable to respectfully express your hope that the court will consider the person’s character, responsibilities, and efforts to change when deciding on sentencing or conditions. Some writers briefly mention how jail time, license loss, or other penalties could affect dependents, employment, or treatment. However, any request should remain respectful and should not try to tell the judge what to do. Always follow any guidance from the attorney about what is appropriate in your jurisdiction.
How long should a DUI character reference or support letter be?
Most DUI support or character reference letters are about one page, and usually no more than two pages. The focus should be on clear, sincere information about the person’s character, responsibilities, and progress, not on length. Specific examples (such as how they help their family, perform at work, or participate in recovery) are often more helpful than general statements.
Can AI Lawyer help me draft a general DUI support letter?
Yes. AI Lawyer can help you structure and refine a general letter of support for a DUI case by suggesting wording, layout, and tone. You provide the real facts about your relationship with the person, what you have observed, and what you want the court to know, and AI Lawyer helps format that into a clear letter. For case-specific legal advice about sentencing, strategy, or what to include, you should still consult a licensed attorney.
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