The character reference letter for court serves the purpose of offering the Judge insights into the Defendant's moral or mental attributes. 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? Introduce yourself in the opening paragraph. A character reference letter can make a difference in a child custody case. It provides evidence of your parenting abilities. Writing a character letter for a judge can be a daunting task. Here are nine essential tips for writing an effective sentencing letter.