A character letter to a judge should establish your credibility, paint a full picture of the defendant and be respectful, among other things. I am writing this letter on behalf of a former student of mine who is presently before you on criminal charges and is due to be sentenced shortly.The character reference letter for court serves the purpose of offering the Judge insights into the Defendant's moral or mental attributes. Introduce yourself in the opening paragraph. Character Recommendation Templates You Can Use. Below are three examples of recommendation letters for a defendant in a Texas criminal case. Sample Format for a Character Letter. If you have been asked to write a character letter, this simple template may be a useful guide. A character reference letter for court should address the points the accused's attorney wants to emphasize, such as the defendant's positive work history. First, introduce yourself and explain your relationship to your boyfriend and how long you've been together.