Character Witness Statement

[richard18459]

A friend has been charged with a serious offence and will appear at the Crown Court. He is pleading not guilty and I believe his version of events. His lawyer has asked him to provide character witness statements, and I am happy to do so. Can anyone suggest the format this should take, what areas should be covered and how long it should be?

[sherrardk]

I provided a character witness statement for someone and had it returned with any personal opinions removed. It's really tricky.

[boxtops]

So what did they permit you to say, sher? surely you can only witness what you see by your own opinion?

[Peter Pedant]

Start off with who you are and what he is (fren')
How long you have known him

whether he is employed with whom and how long - whether it is stable employ

what you do in socialising - long walks, crosswords, go down to pub

that you are writing it in relation to (the charge)

and whack it off to the lawyer

who as above will return it if he doesnt like it

and length - one side of A4 - allows you to get quite alot in.

Only mention things you know about - so comments about the facts of the case are out - you werernt there - and goodluck

we found it straightforward

[richard18459]

Thanks for you help