Introduce yourself in the opening paragraph. Defend a friend or family member's moral character in court.Use our Character Reference Letter for Court template to easily write your document. A character letter is designed to show support for a defendant in a criminal case. These letters have the potential to influence the court. A character letter to a judge should establish your credibility, paint a full picture of the defendant and be respectful, among other things. Learn how character letters can help you get charges dismissed or reduced, get a more lenient sentence, or get treatment instead of jail. This comprehensive guide will explore what makes a character letter effective, how it can impact court decisions, and the essential elements to include.