legal lawyerly type question

[macul]

So my friend needs some character reference letters due to his getting caught up a shitstorm at our local prison. He was a guard who witnessed a beating. He initially told the feds he saw nothing, but less than an hour later changed his mind and told them everything because he didn't want it on his concious. As a result of the lie he is being prosecuted with a felony.

He's obtaining letters from friends and colleagues, including those he served with in the Marines. Anyway, my question is what kind of material matters in these letters? Should it be a standard, "I've know this guy for a long time. He's honest and believes in doing what is right...blah blah blah"? Are their certain key phrases or subjects I need to include?

Thanks for any advice. I want to try to make sure I do this correctly.

[StoneGold]

Just make sure they don't accidentally say that he's DareDevil.

[macul]

Just make sure they don't accidentally say that he's DareDevil.

This is the same guy who nearly broke his foot attempting to kick a volleyball (he missed the ball, but nailed the ground). No chance of that happening. Juggernaut on the other hand....

[GreenHornet]

As a former Deputy Sheriff and a retired US Navy person that has just written a letter just like this to help a friend here at my gov job you need to add a quick hit on how far back your friendship goes like " While we were both station on the USS Taxpayer we both were awarded the Metal of ......."

If he did anything special that you can 100% back up you might want to add that.

[Slam_Bradley]

Is this for a sentencing? Prior to trial? Where in the proceedings is he?

[macul]

Is this for a sentencing? Prior to trial? Where in the proceedings is he?

I don't think he is going for a trial. He plead from what I recall. Basically they told him if he pleads out he'll get x, but if he fights it they'll really nail him. There's no denying he lied (he told the investigator two different things), so he saw no point in fighting it.

So I think the correct answer is sentencing. I don't think he's looking at jail time, but you never know, so every little bit helps.

[macul]

As a former Deputy Sheriff and a retired US Navy person that has just written a letter just like this to help a friend here at my gov job you need to add a quick hit on how far back your friendship goes like " While we were both station on the USS Taxpayer we both were awarded the Metal of ......."

If he did anything special that you can 100% back up you might want to add that.

I'm just his friend. I never served with him anywhere, unless driving him home after he got drunk counts...We've been friends for about 18 years now.

Do you think saying anything about the specific events helps? Like how much this has torn him up and why he initially lied? Or should that be avoided all-together?

[Cephus]

All you can really do is vouch for his character. Say how long you've known him and if you think he's an honest, upstanding individual with moral integrity. Don't mention anything about the case in particular, you weren't there, you only know his side of things anyhow. If there's anything special you know he's done, include it, the courts are usually impressed if he jumped out of an airplane into shark-infested waters to rescue orphans and puppies.