A character letter to a judge should establish your credibility, paint a full picture of the defendant and be respectful, among other things. Introduce yourself in the opening paragraph.The first paragraph should tell the judge who you are writing to him about and how you know the defendant. You'd also want to say how long you have known her. "Learn how to craft an effective character reference letter for court proceedings with our comprehensive guide. Include specific examples of how the person has helped you or someone else, or how he or she has been a leader or an inspiration. I am writing this letter on behalf of a former student of mine who is presently before you on criminal charges and is due to be sentenced shortly. Character Recommendation Templates You Can Use. Below are three examples of recommendation letters for a defendant in a Texas criminal case. A character reference letter for court should address the points the accused's attorney wants to emphasize, such as the defendant's positive work history.