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?Character Recommendation Templates You Can Use. Below are three examples of recommendation letters for a defendant in a Texas criminal case. The character reference letter for court serves the purpose of offering the Judge insights into the Defendant's moral or mental attributes. You write a DECLARATION, under PENALTY OF PERJURY and state in the beginning: I JANE SMITH, DECLARE: 1. This concise introduction delves into how a compelling reference letter can significantly sway the results of a child custody home study. A character letter to a judge should establish your credibility, paint a full picture of the defendant and be respectful, among other things. Everything you need to write a declaration letter to the judge in your custody case: an example, a downloadable template, an outline and tips. Everything you need to write a declaration letter to the judge in your custody case: an example, a downloadable template, an outline and tips.