Sample Format for a Character Letter. If you have been asked to write a character letter, this simple template may be a useful guide.There's not time to read all that comes before a judge to read. 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? Court Forms and Instructions. Completing the Forms. Character letters are an important tool that you can use at sentencing to convince a judge that a lower sentence may be appropriate.