Note to Petitioner: Please provide three (3) character references. 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. Character Reference Letters and Letters of Recommendation are useful in defending an Orange County DUI case, as prosecutors and judges use them in court. A character reference letter can make a difference in a child custody case. It provides evidence of your parenting abilities. A character letter is designed to show support for a defendant in a criminal case. These letters have the potential to influence the court. The character reference letter for court serves the purpose of offering the Judge insights into the Defendant's moral or mental attributes.