"Learn how to craft an effective character reference letter for court proceedings with our comprehensive guide. 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 is designed to show support for a defendant in a criminal case. These letters have the potential to influence the court. Introduce yourself in the opening paragraph. A character reference letter for court is a written statement advocating for an individual's moral standing, which can influence the judge's decision. A character letter to a judge should establish your credibility, paint a full picture of the defendant and be respectful, among other things. Learn how character letters can help you get charges dismissed or reduced, get a more lenient sentence, or get treatment instead of jail. Customer: I am looking for samples of character references to a judge for my son.