"Learn how to craft an effective character reference letter for court proceedings with our comprehensive guide. A character letter to a judge should establish your credibility, paint a full picture of the defendant and be respectful, among other things.Sample Format for a Character Letter. If you have been asked to write a character letter, this simple template may be a useful guide. Free template for a character reference letter for a DUI charge! In this article, we will discuss how to write a formal letter to a judge, along with the proper format and a sample letter. Character Reference Letters and Letters of Recommendation are useful in defending an Orange County DUI case, as prosecutors and judges use them in court. Tips: Keep the letter honest but positive. Avoid downplaying the seriousness of the DUI. For example "Jim has struggled with drugs and alcohol since before I met him.