Helpful Tips for Writting Your Support Letter

The following are some guidelines and suggestions for a letter of support: 

Once you have completed your support letter send it to Dawn Vrentas at:
dawn330@gmail.com or give her a call - (206)743-5266

LETTERHEAD – Your support letter should be on letterhead. The letterhead should include all of your contact information including your name, address, phone number(s) and email address if applicable.

DATE/DOC Number – The next item in your support letter should be the date, which should be typed in the top left corner below your letterhead. Include an address block with Jeannette’s full name and DOC 273043.

Begin your support letter with:  Letter of support for Jeannette K. Murphy


In your first paragraph, include your name, age, occupation (if you have been employed in the same field for some time, note that in your first paragraph) and relationship with Jeannette.  Talk a little bit about who you are.  Tell how you came to know her and how long you have known her.

In your second paragraph, describe why you believe that Jeannette (in your opinion) deserves clemency.  The board already has lists of her accomplishments, that’s being handled, so no need to retell all of that.  You can talk about her positive attitude, her willingness to help others and feelings of responsibility and remorse.  If she was able to support you through some crisis in your past tell them how that helped you.  Talk about what kind of person she is now and what kind of person you see her being on the outside.  If she has been a support for you discuss that.  Go ahead and talk her up, but avoid diverting blame for the crime.

Finish your support letter by telling the clemency board how you will support Jeannette once she is granted clemency.  This is a good place to tell them how you have been supporting her and that your support will continue.  Support may be financial, such as a place to live, use of a vehicle, or help finding a job.  It can be spiritual or emotional, including accountability, advice and encouragement. Keep it short; try to keep it to a single page.

Make known any specific accommodations you can offer Jeannette upon release:  shelter, transportation, employment, food, money, etc.  Having a solid support system set up for her is critical and does often make all the difference!

The Governor listens to the recommendations of the clemency board but she alone decides to approve or deny the clemency request.

Remember to check for spelling and grammar errors.