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?"Learn how to craft an effective character reference letter for court proceedings with our comprehensive guide. 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 reference letter can make a difference in a child custody case. It provides evidence of your parenting abilities. A character letter to a judge should establish your credibility, paint a full picture of the defendant and be respectful, among other things. The goal of character reference letters is to tell the judge a story. To give the judge insight into a defendant as a person.