Support Letters and Documentation

Support letters can be written by family, friends, employers, coworkers, and others who know the defendant/inmate. These letters can be a very important part of the sentencing and/or parole process because they help the judge and/or parole commission get to know the person they are sentencing, or considering for release, in ways other than just the facts of the offense.

If you are gathering acceptance letters from treatment programs, sober living housing, employment verification, etc., you can gather and send yourself or have the provider email these directly to our office if you prefer. Submit directly to our office by emailing nick@wollenlaw.com or fax to our office at 208-615-9090

Here are the guidelines suggested for support letters.

• The letter should be addressed to the Judge or Parole Commission but emailed to the defendant or inmate’s attorney at least one week before the hearing. Earlier is better. You may also write your letter as an email, rather than scanning a separate letter if you prefer. Our office will make sure the letters and supporting documents are filed in an appropriate manner.
• Include the defendant’s full name and case number or IDOC# if you know it. If not, we will add this information at the top of the letter before filing.
• Typed letters are preferred over handwritten if possible so it is easy to read. The exception would be letters from younger children. In those instances, a handwritten letter is better.
• Be concise, truthful, and sincere. One page is usually sufficient. Never allow the defendant to write the letter for you. The court may contact you to verify that you wrote the words in your letter.
• Always sign and date the letter and provide contact information.

Please see the following page for a sample support letter format with additional guidelines. If you have any questions or would like additional information or guidance on support letters and documentation, please contact our office at 208-615-9090.

Thank you for supporting your friend and loved one. Your support is important and much appreciated!

The Team at Wollen Law, PLLC

SAMPLE SUPPORT LETTER

Your Name

Mailing Address

Phone Number

Email Address

Date

Re: John J. Smith, Case# or IDOC#

Dear [Judge or Parole Commission],

FIRST PARAGRAPH: Introduce yourself and talk about how long you have known them and in what capacity (e.g., parent, spouse, sibling, coworker, friend, neighbor, sponsor, etc.).

SECOND PARAGRAPH: Explain why you are writing the letter. Describe the defendant/inmate to help the judge and/or parole commission better understand him or her beyond the offense committed. Make it personal when describing the defendant’s positive characteristics. Share specific examples of how they have demonstrated these qualities and good deeds (hard work, dedication to family/church/community, generosity, participation and/or graduation from treatment programs, etc.). The goal is to provide the Judge/Parole Board with a well-rounded picture of the person beyond just their criminal history.

THIRD PARAGRAPH: Make it clear that you know why the person is in court or prison. If you are writing a letter of support for sentencing, guilt has already been decided, and the defendant has already pled guilty or been found guilty. Please do not talk about the specific details or facts of the case and never attack the victim(s) or law enforcement. This just doesn’t help. Instead, focus on their personal growth, treatment programs they are attending or have completed, commitment to change, and actual changes made during the time between when the crime was committed and sentencing. If you are providing specific support, such as transportation or housing, this is a good place to include that.

If you are writing the letter of support for a parole release hearing, discuss their post-release plans. If you are aware of their plans for employment, education, housing, or community involvement upon release, detail those. This shows the Parole Board the inmate has a solid support system and plan in place. Express belief in their rehabilitation, that they have learned from their mistakes, and are committed to making positive changes, etc. Explain why you think they are ready for release and will be a productive member of society. If you are providing specific support, such as transportation or housing, to facilitate a successful transition, this is a good place to include that.

FOURTH PARAGRAPH: Thank the court/commission and make your “ask”. This can be as simple as requesting leniency or release in consideration of the defendant’s exemplary history or commitment to change or personal growth/changes since the offense occurred. State that you are available to confirm the facts in this letter as necessary.

Sincerely,

Signature