The character reference letter for court serves the purpose of offering the Judge insights into the Defendant's moral or mental attributes. What parents and witnesses need to know about character reference letters to the court for child custody.Includes a downloadable sample and template. A character letter to a judge should establish your credibility, paint a full picture of the defendant and be respectful, among other things. Address the judge respectfully. Briefly introduce yourself and your relationship to the individual. The goal of character reference letters is to tell the judge a story. To give the judge insight into a defendant as a person. A character letter is designed to show support for a defendant in a criminal case. These letters have the potential to influence the court.