Q: Do character reference letters get read out loud during sentencing
If read out loud it will hurt my relationship with my family
A: Character counts. When the judge meets you, they're meeting you for the first time. Never miss a chance to make a first impression. Dress respectfully. Bring witnesses who can speak out loud about your good character. Have your lawyer read reference letters out loud. They should be read slowly, so their content can be clearly heard and understood by the judge. Remember, all the judge knows about you is what they've read in the accusations. This is a chance to tell them more. As a criminal lawyer in practice for over 27 years, I know how easy it is to focus on the worse case scenario. It doesn't have to be that way. Character counts, especially when the letters show positive changes you've made since your arrest, such as attending classes, treatment, or even better, a letter from the victim that departs in a good way, from what the DA is recommending.
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