A letter of reference should demonstrate that the writer has direct and detailed knowledge of your current circumstances and recent past. This will establish their authority on the matter of your sobriety. The writer should state clearly their opinion that you will not, in the future, make the decision to drive while drunk.
The writer should say why they believe that you are no longer a threat to other drivers. Something has changed about you, and your reference should be able to articulate what that is.
Get a credible source
A letter of reference can technically be from anyone, but our firm recommends someone who is both in a position to know the truth of your present condition, and not biased in your favor, as their opinions will carry a great deal more weight. This would include:
· An addiction counselor
· Your boss
· A probation/parole officer
Try to get at least one of these people to support you.
Proofread
You don’t need a PhD to write a letter of reference, but make sure that there are no spelling or grammar mistakes in them. If your references seem uneducated, unprofessional, or untrustworthy, it will hurt your chance of success. If you have legal representation, this person can help your references produce the most impressive letters
Your reference should convey both competence and certainty. Avoid statements like, “I think” and “I feel”, and make sure that the letter states outright that you are recovered and no longer pose a danger to anyone, including yourself.
The hearing officer needs to come away knowing that you have overcome your past, and that keeping you off the road isn't doing anyone any favors.
Do Not
Don’t attempt to excuse your past or minimize any crime you have been convicted of. Past-you screwed up your life. You can’t stand that guy. New-you is a great, well-adjusted person who wants nothing to do with that guy, or with his past. You don’t need to make excuses for him because you’re not him anymore.
If you follow these rules your letters of reference should do a good job of strengthening your petition.
Tyler Knapp enjoys learning about the law and our rights. He freelances on behalf of Grabel & Associates, who specialize in driver’s license reinstatement. He likes to write and spread his knowledge to help people defend their rights.
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