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 to a judge should establish your credibility, paint a full picture of the defendant and be respectful, among other things. Highlight the defendant's positive traits, such as honesty, integrity, hard work, or community involvement. 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. What parents and witnesses need to know about character reference letters to the court for child custody. Includes a downloadable sample and template. This letter of request is to be sent in a timely manner to the Administrative Judge of Family. Exhusband is being sentenced in a criminal matter in WI. He has submitted character letters prior to sentencing.