Parole support letter 2024 (guide + samples)

Thank you for standing by your loved one during the parole process!

I’m here to help you out by giving you a step-by-step guide on how to craft a top-notch letter of support for your loved one’s parole.

I will guide you on;

• what is a parole support letter
• who is eligible to write a parole support letter?
• why a parole support letter is necessary
• How to write a parole support letter
• How often should you send a parole support letter?
• parole support letter sample
• etc

let get started

What is a parole support letter

A parole support letter is a brief statement of facts written to the parole board by friends, relatives, colleagues, or anybody else who knows the inmate to establish to the parole panel that an offender has a solid and organized support system in place upon release and thus deserves parole.

In fact, before releasing an inmate back into society, a Parole Board must consider various factors such as his age, prior imprisonment, committed offense, prison disciplinary conduct, current prison custody level, and so on.

Is this enough?

No

The most essential element considered by the parole board is whether or not the convict has positive community support.

How might the parole board be aware that the inmate has strong community support?

or what evidence exists that the convict will have consistent community support following release?

You’re right!, it is your Parole support letter.

Read also: Pardon letter for immigration (guide & samples)

Am I eligible to write a parole support letter?

The following are the eligible person to write a parole support letter for their loved one (check to see if you are on the list)

• Family members, relatives, close friends, and neighbors
• Any  Respected members of the community, such as businessmen and religious leaders.
• Prospective employers, school teachers, students, counselors, etc.

Discover something? the above list shows that anyone is eligible to write a parole support letter to his/her loved one. Of course!

Why a parole support letter is necessary

Generally, an inmate who qualifies for parole provides evidence of support for their release on parole and the best way to do so is through a parole support letter.

Parole Support letters are placed in an offender’s case file and are available to the parole panel during the parole review process. It acts as evidence to the parole panel that the inmate will have a network of friends and family to help when he is released and thus it can increase an offender’s chances of being granted parole.

The goal is to ensure that parole is granted to someone unlikely to re-offend or violate any parole terms.

In addition to that, a parole support letter is very necessary since

• it proves that Someone knows and cares about the offender.
• It shows that when the offender is discharged, someone will be present to assist him.
• It dilutes criminal records by bringing up the good side of the offender.

I think now you can see, how writing a parole support letter for your loved one is a huge legal responsibility.

Don’t feel intimidated.

Remember my promise?

In case you have forgotten it, I whisper!  promised to provide a complete guide to help you create an effective parole letter in favor of your loved one

Now let’s move to the next part

How to write a parole support letter

The following is how you can write a convincing parole support letter.

Step 1: Gather important details

If important details are left out, the purpose of your parole support letter may be compromised.

As a result, you must include all of the necessary details and evidence to make your letter stand out.

Make sure you have the following information before composing your letter:

• The inmate’s first and last name
• The inmate’s parole number
• The state correctional facility where the inmate is housed
• Inmate’s accomplishments before his incarceration (education, awards, substance abuse treatment,
  etc)
• improvements the participant has made since being incarcerated (ex: education, substance abuse treatment programs, philanthropic work, attitude, behaviors, etc.)
• Areas where you plan to provide assistance and encouragement (Employment/potential employment, Residence, Transportation, Accountability plan/support system, Clothing, etc)
• Other information that you believe might be useful to the parole panel in making their decision

NB: To ensure that the letter is placed in the correct inmate’s file, the parole board must have the inmate’s name and some other kind of identifying information, such as the institution of parole number.

In case you don’t know the inmate number or the institution where the inmate is currently incarcerated, you can look it up on an inmate/parolee locator service in your state.

Step 2: Writing a parole support letter

The following is how you can write your parole support letter

Your Address

Your address is the first thing on your parole support letter.

It should be placed in the upper left corner of your letter. To keep things professional, use a header letter.

On your address, your name, postal address, and physical address must all be indicated. plus your phone number and email address.

Date

Your parole support letter must be dated

The date should appear below your address.

Parole board Address

Here provide the proper address given by your state’s parole board for the delivery of parole support letters.

You should address the parole board member as ‘Honorable Parole Board Members’

for example

Honorable Parole Board Members
PA Parole Board
Office of Board Secretary
1101 South Front Street
Suite 5300
Harrisburg, PA  17104-2517

Salutation

Salutation is the most appropriate way to convey respect to Parole Board Members.

Salute a Board with Honorable Parole Board Members

The salutation can be placed before or after the subject of the letter.

Subject line

The subject line of your letter must capture the purpose of your letter.

For clarity, include the inmate’s first and last name, the inmate’s parole number, or the state correctional facility where the inmate is housed in the subject line.

for example

Re: Henry Scott (#123456) Wynne Unit, Huntsville, TX 77555  – Parole Support Letter for His File

or

Re: Parole support letter for

Henry Scott
Inmate No. AZ1222
SCI Phoenix, PA 5300

Opening Paragraph (s)/ Introduction

• Introduce yourself by your name, age and, if relevant, your title, job, etc.
• Your relationship with the convict, including how long you’ve known him.
• Explain why you are writing this letter

Body paragraphs

This is not to scare you, but the body paragraph is the hardest part of your parole support letter because it determines the fate of your loved one.

The good news is that there is no minimum or the maximum number of body paragraphs required. Just write as many paragraphs as you can to make your letter stand out.

To write an effective support letter, do the following

• Explain why you believe the inmate deserves the opportunity for parole.
• Provides examples that show that an inmate is a good person despite his criminal record
• Demonstrate that the inmate will be a valuable and law-abiding citizen upon release.

any idea how you can archive that? None? let me give you the clue

• Describe the inmate’s feelings of guilt and regret.
• List the inmate’s accomplishments before his incarceration (for example, education, awards, substance abuse treatment, and so on).
• Include improvements the participant has made since being incarcerated (ex: education, substance
  abuse treatment programs, philanthropic work, attitude, behaviors, etc.)
• Consider what three character traits best represent your loved one, how those traits evolved throughout his incarceration, and how they will benefit him after his release.
• etc.

Now, let’s finish our letter.

Closing paragraph

Close your letter with a quick remark expressing your belief in your loved one and offering contact information in case of any questions.

Your parole support letter should generally follow the following format/template

• Your Address
• Date
• Parole board address
• Subject line
• Salutation
• [opening paragraph]- Introducing yourself and Describe your relationship with the offender
• [body paragraphs]- Explain why you believe the offender is unlikely to re-offend or break parole restrictions and how you will assist the offender’s rehabilitation
• [closing paragraphs] – emphasize your support for the offender and briefly summarize why the offender should be granted parole
• Sincerely
• name and signature

Step 3: Sending a parole support letter

Your final letter should be mailed to the provided address or sent in any other means acceptable by your state parole board- email, on the official website, etc.

NB: Each state has its own set of parole guidelines, I recommend you look for further information concerning parole support letters through the board of pardons and paroles in your state.

How often should you send a parole support letter?

You should send parole support letters regularly (twice per year should be sufficient), rather than just at the time of the parole interview.

This demonstrates continuity and active support, and it informs the Parole Board that you will remain with your loved one following their release.

Parole support letter sample

Mr. Joel Scott
11900 Self Drive
Tyler, TX 77500
scottjoe@email.com
555-100-2000

December 30, 20…

Honorable Parole Board Members
Review and Release Processing
TDCJ Parole Division
P.O. Box 13401, Capitol Station
Austin, TX 78711

Re: Henry Scott (#123456) Wynne Unit, Huntsville, TX 77555  – Parole Support Letter for His File

Dear Honorable Parole Board Members

For the past five years since Henry detention began , my wife and I have paid a visit at least twice a month, driving around 350 miles. During that time we have also been communicating with Henry by mail on a weekly basis.

Although Henry has made some serious mistakes in the past, I believe he has matured and will be a productive and law-abiding citizen upon his release for the following reasons.

• Henry feels enormous guilt and responsibility for his actions. Peer pressure contributed to his drinking issue, which led to his fatal mistake of drinking and driving. Since his incarceration, he has dealt with his drinking problem by speaking with the prison chaplain and discussing it with our family during visiting. I believe he has realized how harmful his actions have become, and I am confident he is in a much better emotional state.
• Henry has continued his education while incarcerated by participating in programs such as Changes, Bridges to Life, and the Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP). These programs have had a significant impact on his life perspectives, mindset, and attitude.
• Henry has followed the rules in prison and has had no disciplinary cases during his time there.
• Throughout his sentence, Henry has attended Rehabilitation sessions in order to better understand his addiction difficulties and triggers. I believe he has made a significant commitment to his recovery.
• When Henry was younger, he was obsessed with gadgets and wanted to establish a wonderful life for himself. I believe that fire has been rekindled in him, and he is determined to make the most of his second opportunity at a regular life.

I am pleased to report that when Henry is released from prison, he will be well-supported. If he is granted parole during this election, here is the strategy we devised to assist him in effectively re-entering society.

• Residence: Henry intends to reside at the Open Door Mission (ODM) in Houston, no previous peer incluience, just a great Christian setting where he will be surrounded by other PEP grads. The rent will be quite reasonable at $23 per week. Please read the attached ODM acceptance letter for the facility address and phone number. Photographs of the facilities are also included.
• Transportation: Because of his DUI charges, Henry’s ability to drive a car will most certainly be restricted. For the time being, Henry intends to use Houston’s public transportation system, as well as purchase a bike for added mobility. The picture of the bike we have bought for him is included.
• Rehabilitation: Henry is dedicated to continuing his recovery by attending rehabilitation meetings, whether or not parole requires it. He intends to attend local meetings to locate a group with which he feels comfortable, and then to attend at least once a week for at least the first year after his release.
• Family support: Me and My wife intend to visit Henry as much as possible, and we intend to call him on a daily basis once he is able to get a cell phone. We aspire to be a consistent source of motivation and accountability. We have financial means to assist as well.

Finally, I’d like to emphasize that I believe Henry has changed and is ready for another chance at freedom. His commitment to personal development has been evident to our family, and we hope you can see the tremendous adjustments he has made throughout his sentence through his record of accomplishments and behavior.

Please contact me at 555-100-2000 or scottjoe@email.com if you have any questions.

Thank you for your consideration of this letter.

Sincerely

Joe Scott