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. A character letter to a judge should establish your credibility, paint a full picture of the defendant and be respectful, among other things.If you've been asked to write to the judge, use our sample character reference letter and fill-in-the-blank template. What's a character reference letter? Customer: I need a sample letter of asking a judge for leniency when he is sentencing a former student for criminal charges. There's not time to read all that comes before a judge to read. 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 write a letter to a judge. Whether you are writing as a victim or on behalf of a defendant, follow these expert tips.