Federal parole support and character letters: where to send them, plus a free letter builder
There is no federal parole for recent crimes, but letters do matter for sentence reductions and commutation. Below is what the official rules say, plus a letter builder.
General information, not legal advice. OutSooner does not send letters or contact boards for you.
Parole: not available for nearly everyone
There is no federal parole for crimes committed on or after November 1, 1987. Letters matter instead for compassionate release (a reduction in sentence request to the Warden, then a court motion under 18 U.S.C. 3582(c)(1)(A)) and for commutation petitions to the Office of the Pardon Attorney.
If the person has no parole hearing, the letter that helps is a character letter for clemency or a sentence reduction.
Character letters (clemency, commutation, sentence reduction)
The difference: a parole support letter focuses on the release plan (housing, work, transportation, treatment). A character letter is about who the person is, with real examples, and how they have changed. Many good letters have a little of both.
A reduction in sentence (compassionate release) request goes to the Warden. Federal rules say it must explain the extraordinary or compelling circumstances and include a release plan: where the person will live and how they will support themselves. If the BOP does not act, the person can file a motion in court under 18 U.S.C. 3582(c)(1)(A). Commutation petitions go to the Office of the Pardon Attorney, and letters from people who know the person can be attached. [Official source] (opens in new tab)
Office of the Pardon Attorney (official) (opens in new tab) · 18 U.S.C. 3582 (opens in new tab)
Use the builder below and choose "Character letter."
What makes a letter strong
- One page. Specific and honest.
- Who you are, how you know the person, and for how long.
- Changes you have seen yourself.
- For parole: a confirmed plan for housing, work and transportation.
- Acknowledge the offense and harm, without re-arguing the case or blaming the victim.
- In your own words: several identical letters carry less weight than one sincere one.
Example 1: character letter (sentence reduction or commutation, from a former supervisor)
[Date]
[Warden of the institution / Office of the Pardon Attorney]
Re: Character letter for [Full name], BOP register number [number]
Dear Sir or Madam,
My name is [your name]. I supervised [name] at [company] for [number] years before their sentence, and for the past [number] years I have led a volunteer group that visits [facility].
I know [name] as someone who follows through. In [year], when a coworker was injured, [name] covered that person's shifts for two weeks without being asked. In prison, they have tutored reading in [program], and the coordinators describe them as patient and steady.
[Name] does not minimize what they did. They have talked with me about the harm to [the victim / the family] and what they have done to change: [examples].
I support a reduction of their sentence because [a specific, honest reason, such as their health, years of good conduct, or the support waiting for them].
You can reach me at [phone or email].
Sincerely, [signature and printed name]
FAQ
Is there federal parole?
Not for crimes committed on or after November 1, 1987. Letters help with sentence reduction (compassionate release) and commutation.
Who gets a compassionate release request?
The Warden of the institution, under 28 CFR 571.61. It must include a release plan.
Build your letter
Fill in the fields and the letter builds below. Everything happens in your browser: nothing is sent, nothing is saved, and we do not measure what you type. Print or copy it before you close the page.
About the person
Your details (used in the signature)
The board does not publish a rule about your contact details, but including your address and phone lets staff verify or reach you.
Preview
Start filling in the form. Anything shown [in brackets] is still missing.
Build a parole packet
Cover sheet, home plan, job letter, support plan and letters, printed together. Everything stays in your browser; nothing is sent or saved. Each board decides what it accepts: check the official source before sending a packet.
Cover sheet
Home plan
Job offer letter
Support plan
Support letters
Sources: Federal (BOP, the courts and the Office of the Pardon Attorney) (official) (opens in new tab) · Last verified: · Corrections