How to Write a Parole Letter

This article was co-authored by Clinton M. Sandvick, JD, PhD. Clinton M. Sandvick worked as a civil litigator in California for over 7 years. He received his JD from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1998 and his PhD in American History from the University of Oregon in 2013.

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The purpose of a parole letter is to inform the parole board why an offender should be given parole and let out of prison. Parole letters are most often written by the offender, as well as by people who know the offender and support his or her release. They may also be written by people who oppose the offender’s release. To write the letter, organize your thoughts in outline form and commit to using your own natural language. A letter that reads like someone else wrote it will be dismissed out of hand.

Parole Letter Templates

Method 1 of 3:

Writing a Letter as the Offender

Step 1 Understand what you must say.

Step 2 Search for templates.

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Step 3 Open a word processing document.

Step 4 Insert the date.

Step 5 Begin by identifying yourself.

Step 6 Describe the crime and your role in it.

Step 7 Express remorse.

Step 8 List the steps you took to reform yourself.

Step 9 Describe your future and how you will achieve it.

Step 10 Conclude the letter.

Step 11 Include your signature.

Include your signature. Write “Thank you for reading this letter” and then move down a couple lines to insert “Sincerely.” Sign using a pen.

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Writing a Letter in Support of Parole

Step 1 Inquire as to why you were asked.

Step 2 Outline what to say.

Outline what to say. Before writing the letter, you will probably find it helpful to sit down and think about the points that you want to make. Writing them down in bullet point format will help you remember to touch on everything as you draft your letter.

Step 3 Get the deadline.

Get the deadline. Ask the offender when the letter needs to be submitted. Some offenders will want all letters submitted to the parole board before a certain date. However, the offender may find it beneficial to have letters submitted throughout the year. This will signal that the offender’s support is continuous and substantial. [2] X Research source

Step 4 Use letterhead.

Step 5 Identify yourself and the inmate.

Step 6 Explain why you support parole.