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 letter plays a dual role. The character reference letter for court serves the purpose of offering the Judge insights into the Defendant's moral or mental attributes. Sample Format for a Character Letter. If you have been asked to write a character letter, this simple template may be a useful guide. I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct. MC-030. What parents and witnesses need to know about character reference letters to the court for child custody. Includes a downloadable sample and template. PART 1 - PRESIDING JUDGE.