"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. Introduce yourself in the opening paragraph. A character letter to a judge should establish your credibility, paint a full picture of the defendant and be respectful, among other things. Sample Format for a Character Letter. If you have been asked to write a character letter, this simple template may be a useful guide. Learn how character letters can help you get charges dismissed or reduced, get a more lenient sentence, or get treatment instead of jail. First, introduce yourself and explain your relationship to your boyfriend and how long you've been together. Every character reference letter tells the judge that a Defendant is a great person.