Defend a friend or family member's moral character in court. Use our Character Reference Letter for Court template to easily write your document.The introduction should state who you are, how long you've known the individual, and why you feel the need to make this recommendation to the court. 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. 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.