How To Write A Parole Support Letter For Your Loved One

Five Things You Must Include, Two Things To Avoid

Introduction

After years of "doing time" with your loved one, the day finally arrives when they ask, "Hey, can you do me a favor? I could really use a support letter from you for parole. Will you write one?" Perhaps on autopilot, you agree to write a letter but have no clue where to start. Over the years I have advised many on this subject through their parole eligible loved one and I have read countless support letters. While parole is not a guarantee, I believe it is critical that every inmate present their best in order to have any chance of getting a positive parole vote. Here, we'll look at the five things every parole support letter should include, and two things to avoid.

Parole Support Letters Should Include

1. Your Loved Ones Offense

At first this may seem counterproductive, but your acknowledgment of the offense your loved one committed demonstrates that you are fully aware of the crime(s) they are incarcerated for. It shows that there has been honesty, transparency, and that you choose to believe in your loved one in spite of their past decisions. This can be done in one sentence near the beginning of your letter. An example is: "I am writing in support of John Doe, DOC #0000000, who was convicted of Intoxication Manslaughter in 2015."

2. A Description Of Your Relationship

Defining your relationship to your loved one helps paint a picture for voting members of the Parole Board of the depth of your relationship and involvement in their life. If you are a new pen pal for them, this is significantly different than if your loved one is your grandson. It would be beneficial for you to share how long you have been involved in the life our your loved one. The goal here is to show ongoing stable support.

3. Specific Ways You'll Support Your Loved One

Though it may sound harsh, parole seems to be much less interested in your belief that your loved one should be released from custody, than they are of the actual ways you intend to support them if released. There are many ways you can support your loved one, but I caution you to only include the ways you are able. Do you have an extra vehicle they can use? Can you assure employment? Are you offering your address as a place they can be released to? Will you help them with clothing and food as they start over? Can you hold them accountable to maintain focus? Your support letter should list every way you intend to support your loved one upon their release.

4. A Clear Photo Of You

There is a saying: "A picture is worth a thousand words," and allowing the voting members of parole to see the faces of a parole candidates support system helps them connect on a deeper level. I recommend including a clear, smiling, face only image on your actual letter instead of group pictures, or loose photos. Allow parole decision makers to see the person offering support.

5. Your Contact Information

Although this may seem obvious to some, I've read many support letters that fail to include contact information. Rarely will a voting member reach out to someone who wrote a support letter, but they might. Be sure to include your full name, address, phone number, and email so you show your active interest in your loved ones life.

Parole Support Letters Should Avoid

1. Saying Your Loved One Is A "Good Person"

Your opinion of your loved one is less important to parole than the actual ways you will support them. Don't get caught up trying to convince parole that your loved one is a "good person who was just with some bad people."

2. Arguing The Verdict Or Sentence

The trial is over, the conviction was made, parole support letters are not appeals and whether or not you feel the judgement was "fair" is not relevant in a parole support letter. If you argue trial details you could actually discredit yourself and everything you have said as a supporter for your loved one. Focus on the present and the future, do not try to use your support letter as a tool to argue the guilt or innocence of your loved one.

Conclusion

No matter what you write, speak from your heart, aim for only one page in length, and get it done. Try not to over think your letter and rest in the fact that you are making a difference by simply writing a support letter. Your letter is not THE determining factor for a positive parole vote, it simply nudges the direction. Thank you for believing in, and loving your loved one! You're a blessing.

Contact Trent directly by creating a Securus e-messaging account at SecurusTech.net or on the Securus App. You'll need his full name, State, and facility (Trenton Blythe, Texas, Texas Department of Criminal Justice). He'd love to hear from you!