Sample Format for a Character Letter. If you have been asked to write a character letter, this simple template may be a useful guide.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. 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? A character letter is a letter of support from people who know you to help show judges and DAs the positive sides of you.