Templates for Parole Board Letter Opposing Release

A Parole Opposition Letter is a written statement submitted to a parole board by a victim, family member, or concerned citizen opposing the early release of an incarcerated individual. The letter outlines the reasons why the individual should remain incarcerated and urges the board to deny parole.

These letters play a significant role in parole hearings by providing the board with a broader understanding of the crime’s impact, the perceived risk of releasing the inmate, and the feelings of victims or community members. It is an official channel for expressing ongoing fear, trauma, or concern for public safety.

Unlike public commentary or petitions, parole opposition letters become part of the official hearing record and are reviewed by parole board members prior to making a release decision.

When and Where to Submit a Parole Opposition Letter

Timing and Jurisdiction

Parole boards typically notify victims or their families in advance of an upcoming parole hearing. Opposition letters should be submitted as early as possible after notification – ideally at least 30 days prior to the hearing to ensure they are reviewed in time.

The exact process varies by state, but generally, opposition letters should be submitted to the state’s parole board office. Most parole boards accept written submissions via mail, email, or secure online portals.

To confirm the process:

• Visit your state’s Department of Corrections or Parole Board website
• Locate the “Victim Services” or “Parole Hearings” section
• Follow submission instructions, including any required identification or case number

Confidentiality

Most states allow opposition letters to remain confidential, meaning the inmate will not see the letter or know who submitted it. Be sure to clarify confidentiality options when submitting your letter.

What to Include in a Parole Opposition Letter

Core Elements of a Strong Letter

An effective parole opposition letter should include:

1. Your name and relationship to the case: Are you the victim, a family member, or a concerned member of the community?
2. Statement of opposition: Clearly state that you oppose the offender’s release on parole.
3. Impact of the crime: Describe how the crime has affected you and continues to impact your life.
4. Ongoing concerns: Explain why you believe the individual is not ready for release. Include concerns about public safety, lack of remorse, or reoffending.
5. Request for denial: Respectfully urge the board to deny parole.

Optional Additions

• Details about any contact or threats from the inmate, if applicable
• Support from other victims or community members
• Statements about the offender’s behavior during incarceration (if known)

Style and Tone

Maintain Respectful, Factual Language

Use a calm, respectful, and serious tone. The parole board is a legal entity and responds best to fact-based, emotionally honest, but non-hostile communication.

Avoid excessive emotion, inflammatory language, or threats. Instead, focus on the continuing impact of the crime and your well-founded concern about public safety.

Parole Opposition Letter Templates

Template 1: Victim Family Member Opposing Parole

[Your Full Name]  
[Optional: Withhold Address for Confidentiality]  
[City, State]  
[Date]

Parole Board  
[State] Department of Corrections  
[Board Address or Email]

Re: Opposition to Parole for [Offender’s Full Name], Inmate ID #[XXXXX]

Dear Parole Board Members,

I am the [relationship, e.g., daughter/brother] of [Victim’s Name], who was killed by [Offender’s Name] on [Date of Crime]. I am writing to respectfully urge the board to deny parole in this case.

The pain of losing my [relation] never fades. [He/She/They] was an innocent victim whose life was taken without justification or remorse. The crime not only destroyed our family, but continues to impact our daily lives in profound and lasting ways.

Allowing [Offender’s Name] to be released early would dishonor the memory of my [relation] and send a deeply harmful message to victims of violent crime everywhere. I do not believe this individual has served enough time, nor demonstrated the necessary remorse or rehabilitation.

Please do not grant parole. Our family needs assurance that justice will be upheld and that others in the community will be protected from potential harm.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,  
[Your Name or “Name Withheld for Confidentiality”]

Template 2: Concerned Community Member Opposing Parole

[Your Full Name]  
[City, State]  
[Email Address – Optional]  
[Phone Number – Optional]  
[Date]

Parole Board  
[State] Department of Corrections  
[Board Address or Email]

Re: Opposition to Parole for [Offender’s Name], Inmate ID #[XXXXX]

Dear Members of the Parole Board,

I am a resident of [City, State] and a concerned member of the community. I am writing to strongly oppose the potential release of [Offender’s Full Name], who is currently incarcerated for [brief summary of crime, e.g., armed robbery, sexual assault, homicide].

As someone who has followed this case closely and understands its impact on local residents, I do not believe [Offender’s Name] should be granted parole at this time. The nature of the crime was severe, and the consequences are still felt throughout our community.

Early release would not only pose a safety risk but would erode public confidence in the justice system. We depend on your board to ensure that parole is granted only to those who are truly rehabilitated and who no longer pose a danger to others.

For the sake of our community, I respectfully ask that you deny parole and require [Offender’s Name] to serve the remainder of their sentence.

Sincerely,  
[Your Name]

Template 3: Ongoing Fear or Safety Concern

[Your Full Name]  
[Optional: Request Confidentiality]  
[City, State]  
[Date]

Parole Board  
[State] Department of Corrections  
[Board Address or Parole Email]

Re: Opposition to Parole for [Inmate’s Full Name], ID #[XXXXX]

Dear Parole Board Members,

I am writing to oppose the parole of [Offender’s Name], who was convicted of [brief description of the crime] against me and/or my family on [date]. The trauma I experienced as a result of this crime has never gone away, and the thought of [Offender’s Name] being released fills me with fear.

I have received counseling and made life adjustments to feel safe, but the possibility of early release reopens old wounds and puts my emotional and physical well-being at risk. I fear that [Offender’s Name] may attempt to contact or harm me again if released.

I understand the purpose of parole is to evaluate rehabilitation and risk. Based on the lasting impact of this crime and my ongoing fear, I urge you to deny parole in this case.

Thank you for listening to my concerns.

Sincerely,  
[Your Name or “Name Withheld for Confidentiality”]

Tips for Submitting Your Letter

Before You Submit

• Use official formatting: Include the inmate’s full name and ID number
• Be concise: Try to keep the letter to one page, two at most
• Check for typos and clarity: Proofread before sending
• Submit on time: Send at least 30 days before the parole hearing

Where to Send It

Refer to your state’s Parole Board website for exact mailing/email instructions. In many cases, the address will be:

[State Name] Board of Parole Hearings  
[Address Line 1]  
[City, State, ZIP Code]

Or an email like: victim.services@[state].gov or paroleboard@[state].gov

Request Confidentiality If Needed

Most states have a checkbox or field where you can ask to keep your name and address confidential from the offender. Always confirm this before submitting.

Final Thoughts

Why These Letters Matter

Your letter provides the parole board with critical context that may not be available in official case files or institutional records. It gives a voice to the lasting effects of the crime: effects that often persist long after sentencing.

Submitting a parole opposition letter allows you to:

• Protect public safety
• Assert your ongoing rights as a victim or concerned party
• Keep the memory and impact of the crime visible to decision-makers

Even if the offender is ultimately granted parole, your letter becomes a permanent part of the case record and may influence conditions of release.

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