This post covers the parole support letter.
Thank you for standing by your loved one during the parole process!
Here I intend to provide a detailed guide to assist you in creating an excellent letter of support for the parole of your loved one.
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
Jump to section
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.
Let me break this down a little further so you can understand how it works
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 a 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 beloved 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 beloved 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
A parole support letter is written in business letter format. Start with your address and contact details, followed by a date and the address of the parole board, then salute the panel and begin your letter by introducing yourself and Describing your relationship with the offender and why you believe the offender is unlikely to re-offend or break parole restrictions, followed by an explanation of how you will assist the offender’s rehabilitation.
Close your letter by reiterating your support for the offender and briefly summarizing why the offender should be granted parole. Finish with “Sincerely,” your signature, and your name.
Generally, there are no rules for writing parole support letters. These are merely suggestions and recommendations. You must use what is appropriate for your specific situation.
To be more useful, I believe I should offer you a basic format/template for a parole support letter.
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
Our quest does not end here; I believe I should divide everything into step-by-step instructions with examples.
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.
for example
Mr. Joel Scott
11900 Self Drive
Tyler, TX 77500
scottjoe@email.com
555-100-2000
Date
Your parole support letter must be dated
The date should appear below your address.
for example
Mr. Joel Scott
11900 Self Drive
Tyler, TX 77500
scottjoe@email.com
555-100-2000December 30, 20..
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
Review and Release Processing
TDCJ Parole Division
P.O. Box 13401, Capitol Station
Austin, TX 78711
or
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
for example
My name is Joel Scott, and I am 44 years old. For the past ten years, I have worked as a software engineer at ABS technologies. My wife and I have been married for 14 years, and we have one child, Henry Scott, inmate No. AZ1222 at SCI Phoenix, PA 5300, who is expecting the parole. This letter is intended to be filed as his parole support 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.
Still, you don’t know where to start?
see the example below
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.
Those body paragraphs! How does it make you feel? tiresome? Of course, but keep in mind that you are doing it for a loved one, therefore it is worthwhile.
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.
for example
Finally, I’d like to emphasize that I feel Henry has changed and is ready for the opportunity of freedom once more. His dedication to personal improvement has been palpable to our family, and we hope you can see the wonderful changes he has made via his record of accomplishments and behavior throughout his sentence.
If you have any questions, please contact me at 555-100-2000 or scottjoe@email.com.
Thank you for your consideration of this letter.
Sincerely
Joe Scott
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
My name is Joel Scott, and I am 44 years old. ABS technologies have employed me as a software engineer for the past eleven years. My wife and I have been married for 14 years, and we have one child, Henry Scott (#123456), who is awaiting parole in SCI Phoenix, PA 5300. This letter is supposed to be filed as his letter of parole support.
My wife and I have visited Henry’s prison at least twice a month for the past five years of his detention, going roughly 350 miles each time. We also communicated with Henry via mail every week during that time.
Despite his history of significant transgressions, I believe Henry has matured and will be a productive and law-abiding citizen upon his release for the following reasons.
- Henry feels a great deal of shame and responsibility for his conduct. Peer pressure had a role in his drinking problem, which resulted in his deadly mistake of drinking and driving. He has dealt with his drinking problem during his incarceration by consulting with the prison chaplain and addressing it with our family during visits. I believe he has recognized how detrimental his behaviors have been, and I am convinced that he is in a lot better emotional state.
- While incarcerated, Henry completed his education by participating in programs such as Changes, Bridges to Life, and the Prison Entrepreneurship Program (PEP). These programs have positively influenced his life perspectives, mindset, and attitude.
- Henry has always obeyed the rules in prison and has had no disciplinary issues.
- Henry has attended Rehabilitation programs during his term to better understand his addiction challenges and triggers. He appears to have made a considerable commitment to his recovery, in my opinion.
- When Henry was younger, he was enamored with technology and dreamed of creating a fantastic life for himself. I feel the fire in him has been rekindled, and he is determined to make the most of his second chance at a normal life.
I am delighted to announce that Henry will be well-supported upon his release from prison. If he is given parole during this election, here is the plan we designed to help him successfully re-enter society.
- Residence: Henry hopes to live at the Open Door Mission (ODM) in Houston, where he will be surrounded by other PEP graduates. He has no prior peer inclusion experience. At $23 per week, the rent will be pretty inexpensive. For the facility address and phone number, please see the attached ODM approval letter. There are also photographs of the facilities.
- Transportation: Henry’s ability to drive a car will almost probably be curtailed as a result of his DUI convictions. For the time being, Henry plans to use Houston’s public transportation and buy a bike to supplement his mobility. We’ve included a picture of the bike we purchased him.
- Rehabilitation: Whether or not it is required by parole, Henry is committed to maintaining his recovery by attending rehabilitation meetings. He plans to attend local meetings to find a group he feels comfortable with, and then to attend at least once a week for at least the first year after his release.
- Family support: My wife and I plan to visit Henry as much as possible, and we plan to call him daily once he can obtain a cell phone. We want to be a reliable source of motivation and accountability. We also have financial resources to help.
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
