Character reference letters played a key role in my sentencing. They gave Judge Wilson a chance to see who I really was beyond my plea agreement or DOJ press releases. But handling them right was crucial.
Quality Over Quantity
I didn’t waste my time collecting dozens of letters. Instead, I focused on quality. I ended up submitting only six letters, though I had 16 in total. Why? Judge Wilson preferred brevity, and you don’t want to overwhelm them with unnecessary details. If you submit too many the get watered down and lose the desired impact.
The key was picking the right people. These letters weren’t from family or close friends — they came from people who had seen me grow since becoming a defendant. One letter came from a real estate client who explained how my advice cost me financially but was in his best interest. That letter stood out because it showed my integrity, that I was making progress since leaving UBS in January 2005.
Authenticity is What Matters
Judges don’t care if the letter is from a celebrity or a well-known person. What they care about is the truth in the letter. Judge Bennett told us, “I don’t care if it’s your gardener or best friend. What matters is their ability to speak to your character.” So, you don’t need letters from people with big names, you need letters that show how you impacted their life.
Choose Your References Wisely
Not all letters are created equal. Choose people who can genuinely speak to your character, not just people who will write something generic. Strong character reference letters will go a lot farther than a pile of vague ones. Look for people who have seen you make difficult decisions or face challenges head-on. Those are the letters that will make an impact.
At the end of the day, the letters you submit should reflect your true character, not just what others think will impress the judge.
Why Character Letters Fall Flat
Judges read hundreds of letters before sentencing. They can tell the difference between a letter written out of obligation, a letter written from genuine respect, and a letter that tries to twist sympathy into justification.
When a defendant makes it about their pain instead of the harm they caused, even their supporters feel uneasy. That uneasiness leaks into the letter — and judges feel it immediately.
Don’t write about what your friend deserves. Write about what you’ve seen him do.
What Defendants Should Understand About Character Letters
If you’re asking someone to write on your behalf:
You can’t script sincerity. The people writing for you have to believe in what they’re saying.
Give them substance. Tell them what you’ve learned, how you’ve changed, and what you’re doing to repair the damage.
Make it about others. The more your story centers on who you’ve helped — not who hurt you — the more credible it becomes.
Judges don’t expect perfection. They look for accountability and progress. A single honest sentence can say more than ten pages of excuses.
For more practical advice on handling situations like these, join our weekly webinar every Tuesday at 11 AM PST / 2 PM EST.
Thank you,
Justin Paperny
