Sample Format for a Character Letter. If you have been asked to write a character letter, this simple template may be a useful guide.The character reference letter for court serves the purpose of offering the Judge insights into the Defendant's moral or mental attributes. If you've been asked to write to the judge, use our sample character reference letter and fill-in-the-blank template. What's a character reference letter? A character letter to a judge should establish your credibility, paint a full picture of the defendant and be respectful, among other things. The first paragraph should tell the judge who you are writing to him about and how you know the defendant. You'd also want to say how long you have known her. There's not time to read all that comes before a judge to read. So if you want the letter admitted, the person has to be present in court and able to be called as witness so they can be questioned about it.