OutSooner
Guide

How to write a parole support letter (with a printable template)

Short answer: a strong letter is short, honest and specific: who you are, how you know the person, what changes you have seen, and what support you will give after release (housing, work, transportation). Send it to the state parole board, not the prison, and keep a copy.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. OutSooner does not file letters or contact parole boards for you.

What to include

  • Your relationship to the person and how long you have known them.
  • Specific changes you have seen: programs, work, education, taking responsibility.
  • A real release plan: where they will live, job offers, transportation, support for treatment.
  • That you understand the offense and its impact, without minimizing it.

What to avoid

  • Attacking the victim, prosecutor or the system.
  • Arguing innocence or re-arguing the case. The board does not retry the case.
  • Promises you can't keep (a job or home that isn't confirmed).
  • Copied form letters. Several identical letters carry less weight than one sincere one.
  • More than one or two pages.

Nevada: where to send it

  • The Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners says it "is always open to receiving written communications." Email info@parole.nv.gov or mail 1677 Old Hot Springs Rd, Suite A, Carson City, NV 89706. [Nevada Parole Board] (opens in new tab)
  • Include your name and address, and ideally a phone number and email. When writing about an inmate, the Board asks for: the inmate's first, middle and last name; NDOC Offender ID; the facility where they are housed; the reason you are writing; details supporting your request; and a summary of the action you want. [Nevada Parole Board] (opens in new tab)
  • The Board also has a Las Vegas office: 4000 S. Eastern Avenue, Suite 130, Las Vegas, NV 89119. [Contact] (opens in new tab)
  • Release hearings are public; supporters may attend at the Board office or the prison location. [Nevada Parole Board (PDF)] (opens in new tab)
  • Send it well before the hearing. Confirm the date with the person or on the Board's published lists.

What happens next in Nevada · Nevada guide

Other states

Every state has its own parole board with its own rules. Check your state board's official website for how and when it accepts letters, and whether to include the person's ID number. If it isn't clear, call the board's office.

Find someone by state

FAQ

Where do I send a parole support letter in Nevada?

To the Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners: info@parole.nv.gov or 1677 Old Hot Springs Rd, Suite A, Carson City, NV 89706 (per parole.nv.gov).

What should a Nevada support letter include?

Per the Board: your name and address; the inmate's full name, NDOC Offender ID and facility; the reason for writing, supporting details, and a summary of the action you want.

How long should a parole support letter be?

One to two pages is usually enough. Specific, honest details matter more than length.

Printable template

________________ (date)

To the ________________ (state) Parole Board

Re: Letter of support for ________________ (full name), ID number ________________, ________________ (facility)

Dear Members of the Board,

My name is ________________, and I am ________________'s ________________ (relationship). I have known them for ________________ years.

During their sentence I have seen these changes: ________________ (programs, work, education, specific examples).

When they are released, I will support them in these ways: housing at ________________; job or job offer: ________________; transportation to appointments: ________________; other support: ________________.

I understand the seriousness of the offense and its impact. I believe they are ready to follow the conditions of parole because ________________.

Thank you for your consideration. You can reach me at ________________ (phone) or ________________ (email).

Sincerely,
________________ (signature)
________________ (printed name and address)

Fill it in by hand or copy the text. This page has no form fields and sends or saves nothing.

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Sources: Nevada Board of Parole Commissioners: guidelines for writing a letter (opens in new tab) · Nevada Parole Board contact (opens in new tab) · Last verified: · Corrections