If you have been asked to write a letter of recommendation for someone in jail, it can be difficult to know where to start. This type of letter is different than most other letters of recommendation, as it often speaks to the character of the person rather than their professional achievements. However, with a little guidance, you can create a letter that will help the person in question.
Letter of recommendation for someone in jail is a letter that speaks to the character of the person in question, their work ethic, and their behavior. It is often requested when someone is being considered for parole or early release, as it can help to demonstrate that they have made positive changes while in prison and are ready to re-enter society.
If you are asked to write a letter of recommendation for someone in jail, it is important to take the task seriously. Your letter could have a significant impact on the person’s future, so it is crucial that you are honest and thorough in your assessment of their character.
Tips
1. Introduction
Begin your letter with a clear introduction stating who you are, how you know the person, and your willingness to write a letter of recommendation for them. Be sure to mention the specific purpose of the letter, such as supporting their parole application.
2. Be Honest
It is important to be honest in your letter of recommendation. Highlight the person’s positive traits, but also mention any negative behaviors or actions they may have taken in the past. A frank and honest appraisal will be more valuable than one that glosses over the person’s flaws.
3. Speak to Their Character
A letter of recommendation for someone in jail should focus on the person’s character, rather than their professional accomplishments. Describe their work ethic, their behavior while in prison, and their efforts to reform themselves.
4. Offer Specific Examples
Offer specific examples of the person’s positive traits and behaviors. For example, you might mention that they have been working hard to earn their GED or that they have been volunteering in the prison library. Specific examples help to demonstrate that the person has truly made positive changes.
5. Edit Examples as Needed
There are many examples of letters of recommendation for someone in jail available online. You can use these as a starting point and edit them as needed to create a letter that is tailored to the specific person in question.
6. Keep it Professional
Remember that this is a professional letter. Use a professional tone and avoid using overly emotional language. Make sure to proofread your letter carefully before sending it.
Examples
Example 1: Parole Application
Dear Members of the Parole Board,
I am writing to wholeheartedly endorse John Doe’s application for parole. I have known John for over 10 years and can attest to his good character and work ethic. John has made significant progress while in prison, earning his GED and participating in various rehabilitative programs.
John is a hardworking and compassionate person who has taken full responsibility for his past actions. I believe that he has truly rehabilitated himself and is ready to re-enter society as a productive and responsible citizen. I strongly urge you to grant his application for parole.
Sincerely,
Jane Smith
Example 2: Early Release Application
Dear Warden,
I am writing to offer my enthusiastic support for Maria Gonzalez’s application for early release. I have known Maria for several years and have seen firsthand the positive changes she has made while in prison. Maria is a hardworking and dedicated person who has taken full advantage of the rehabilitative programs available to her.
During her time in prison, Maria has earned her GED, participated in vocational training programs, and even started a book club for her fellow inmates. She is a natural leader and has shown a great deal of compassion for her fellow inmates.
I believe that Maria’s exemplary behavior while in prison is a strong indication of her readiness to re-enter society. I strongly encourage you to grant her application for early release.
Sincerely,
John Doe
Example 3: Request for Commutation
Dear Governor,
I am writing to urge you to commute the sentence of James Johnson. I have known James for many years and can attest to his good character and work ethic. James has taken full responsibility for his past actions and has worked tirelessly to rehabilitate himself while in prison.
James has participated in several rehabilitative programs, including anger management and substance abuse counseling. He has also earned his GED and taken college courses. James is a hardworking and compassionate person who has shown great remorse for his past mistakes.
I strongly believe that James has truly rehabilitated himself and is ready to re-enter society as a productive and responsible citizen. I urge you to grant his request for commutation.
Sincerely,
Jane Smith
Example 4: Support for Parole Hearing
Dear Members of the Parole Board,
I am writing to offer my full support for Robert Jackson’s upcoming parole hearing. I have known Robert for several years and have seen firsthand the positive changes he has made while in prison. Robert is a hardworking and responsible person who has taken full advantage of the rehabilitative programs available to him.
During his time in prison, Robert has earned his GED, participated in vocational training programs, and even started a mentoring program for younger inmates. He is a natural leader and has shown a great deal of compassion for his fellow inmates.
I believe that Robert has truly rehabilitated himself and is ready to re-enter society as a productive and responsible citizen. I strongly urge you to grant his application for parole.
Sincerely,
John Doe
Example 5: Support for Early Release
Dear Warden,
I am writing to offer my full support for Sarah Lee’s application for early release. I have known Sarah for several years and have seen firsthand the positive changes she has made while in prison. Sarah is a hardworking and dedicated person who has taken full advantage of the rehabilitative programs available to her.
During her time in prison, Sarah has earned her GED, participated in vocational training programs, and started a gardening program for her fellow inmates. She is a natural leader and has shown great compassion for her fellow inmates.
I believe that Sarah’s exemplary behavior while in prison is a strong indication of her readiness to re-enter society. I strongly encourage you to grant her application for early release.
Sincerely,
Jane Smith
Example 6: Support for Commutation
Dear Governor,
I am writing to urge you to commute the sentence of Michael Brown. I have known Michael for many years and can attest to his good character and work ethic. Michael has taken full responsibility for his past actions and has worked tirelessly to rehabilitate himself while in prison.
Michael has participated in several rehabilitative programs, including anger management and substance abuse counseling. He has also earned his GED and taken college courses. Michael is a hardworking and compassionate person who has shown great remorse for his past mistakes.
I strongly believe that Michael has truly rehabilitated himself and is ready to re-enter society as a productive and responsible citizen. I urge you to grant his request for commutation.
Sincerely,
John Doe
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I include in my letter of recommendation for someone in jail?
A: Your letter should speak to the person’s character, work ethic, and behavior while in prison. Be honest in your assessment, offer specific examples, and speak to the person’s efforts to reform themselves.
Q: Can I use a template to write my letter of recommendation?
A: Yes, there are many templates available online that can help you to structure your letter. However, it is important to edit the template as needed to make it specific to the person in question.
Q: Should I mention the person’s past mistakes in my letter?
A: Yes, it is important to be honest about the person’s past mistakes. However, also make sure to highlight their efforts to reform themselves and their positive qualities.
Q: Should I use emotional language in my letter?
A: No, it is important to use a professional tone in your letter of recommendation. Emotional language can detract from the professionalism of the letter.
Q: Can I send my letter via email?
A: It is best to send your letter of recommendation via traditional mail. This will demonstrate that you have taken the time to create a professional letter and will lend more weight to your endorsement.
Q: Should I include my contact information in my letter?
A: Yes, it is important to include your contact information in case the parole board or other officials have further questions or need clarification about your letter.
Conclusion
Writing a letter of recommendation for someone in jail can be a difficult task, but it is an important one. Your letter can have a significant impact on the person’s future, so it is important to be honest and thorough in your assessment. Use these tips to create a letter that speaks to the person’s character and work ethic, and offers specific examples of their positive traits and behaviors. By doing so, you can help to demonstrate that the person is ready to re-enter society as a productive and responsible citizen.