Getting character reference letters

I'm pleading not guilty and going to trial for a moving violation - an infraction. It's cheaper to prepay, but I am innocent and will not plead guilty of something that got pinned on me by a reckless driver.

Anyway... My lawyer said it would be a good idea to have someone (an employer, pastor, coworker, etc.) write a letter of character reference for me. I'm unemployed and don't really have anyone to write a letter for me. I'm very shy and don't get out very much. I'm thinking of asking my grandpa's doctor to write the letter. I have been taking grandpa to his doctor for over 5 years. I am not in charge of his health, but he puts me in charge of his doctor's visits to make sure he doesn't forget anything. This doctor and I have a friendly relationship that goes beyond that of the normal doctor/patient relationiship. He knows that I'm responsible and a good, honest, respectful person and all that stuff. The thing is that it would be awkward for me to ask him to write a letter like this. Does anyone think this letter would actually be helpful? Is it worth getting him to write the letter? If I don't ask him, then I won't have any character reference letters.

Thanks.

I never heard of using character reference letters for a traffic ticket and doubt very much that it'll make any difference.

Don't lessen your integrity by going to your grandfather's doctor for a reference letter, especially for something so minor as a traffic ticket.

Stubborness is something you may regret in this case.

It's better to keep your driving record clean, even if it means pleading guilty and having your attorney get a deferred adjudication or have you go to traffic school to keep it off your driving record?

"In the face of an obstacle which is impossible to overcome, stubbornness is stupid."

Simone de Beauvoir

Click to expand...

Why would my lawyer want me to get a letter? I know he deals mostly with serious traffic violations that are misdemeanors, like reckless driving. Could that be why he suggested a letter, because he mostly deals with more serious cases? Or is he just being overly cautious/prepared?

I don't know if I should ask the doctor or not. I mean, I have his personal cell phone number as he gave it to me. Most people don't have a doctor's personal numbers. So I don't know what to make of our relationship. I don't know whether it would make me look bad or strange to him. Considering that he knows I'm interested in a position there as an assistant, maybe it's not the best idea to ask him. I just don't know.

Doesn't making a deal and pleading guilty set me up for a lawsuit? I mean, it can be used against me can't it? My lawyer says that since the other driver has been paid by the insurance company that I don't need to worry about a lawsuit. But I don't know what to believe. You can't always trust lawyers.

pinball88 said:

Why would my lawyer want me to get a letter? I know he deals mostly with serious traffic violations that are misdemeanors, like reckless driving. Could that be why he suggested a letter, because he mostly deals with more serious cases? Or is he just being overly cautious/prepared?

I don't know if I should ask the doctor or not. I mean, I have his personal cell phone number as he gave it to me. Most people don't have a doctor's personal numbers. So I don't know what to make of our relationship. I don't know whether it would make me look bad or strange to him. Considering that he knows I'm interested in a position there as an assistant, maybe it's not the best idea to ask him. I just don't know.

Doesn't making a deal and pleading guilty set me up for a lawsuit? I mean, it can be used against me can't it? My lawyer says that since the other driver has been paid by the insurance company that I don't need to worry about a lawsuit. But I don't know what to believe. You can't always trust lawyers.

Click to expand...

I suggest you speak personally with your lawyer.

Make an appointment and go visit with your lawyer.

No one can know why your lawyer asked you to obtain a letter.

It sounds odd to me, but I'm not your lawyer.

Doesn't making a deal and pleading guilty set me up for a lawsuit? I mean, it can be used against me can't it? My lawyer says that since the other driver has been paid by the insurance company that I don't need to worry about a lawsuit

Click to expand...

Lawsuit?, accident?

You didn't mention anything about an accident in your first post. What else did you leave out?

This is for traffic court and it's an infraction that involved an accident.

I could have pled guilty and gotten the whole thing dismissed which means nothing would go on my driving record. However, it would still be in the court system. All the cases that go through the county traffic courts are public information. If I pled guilty, people could still see that I pled guilty to a traffic violation that resulted in an accident. I will be judged on that by anyone who does a background check on me, such as an employer. If I ever have to go to traffic court in the future, this could be used against me.

The bottom line is this: the other driver intentionally misled the police due to his poor driving record. He totalled my vehicle and is getting away with it while charges are being brought against me, the innocent victim. He is getting thousands of dollars to repair his vehicle while I'm stuck having to pay several thousand to get a used vehicle. I am not going to plead guilty to this. I have morals.

I did talk to my lawyer, but he wouldn't or couldn't answer how important it is that I get the letters. He said it's better to have them then to not have them. I guess he didn't want to tell me what to do. I also think he's taking this case very seriously. He mostly deals with serious driving offenses (DUIs) that would need a character reference letter.

You have given us no info that indicates it was not your fault.