Guiding Your Supporters
Learn how to help letter writers provide specific, useful, and credible support without scripting their words.
Module Resources
Learning Objectives
Value Specifics
Understand why judges value specific stories over general praise
Key Themes
Learn which themes supporters should address in their letters
Tone Matters
Guide supporters to strike the right tone without attacking or minimizing
Consistency
Ensure letters align with your narrative and sentencing memorandum
Key Concepts
Judges Value Specifics, Not General Praise
A letter that says, "She is kind and helpful" carries little weight. A letter that says, "She visited me every day during my cancer treatments and organized meals for my family" shows specific, lived character.
Themes to Encourage
Supporters can write about:
- Work ethic (employer, colleague)
- Family role (parent, spouse, child)
- Community service (neighbor, mentor, coach)
- Personal transformation (faith leader, counselor)
- Integrity or honesty in past relationships
Tone Matters
- Letters should acknowledge the offense but focus on the whole person
- They should not attack the government, blame others, or minimize responsibility
Consistency with Your Narrative
- Letters should reinforce your acceptance of responsibility
- They must align with your own statement and sentencing memorandum
Practical Guidance for Writers
Here's a simple Letter Writing Guide you can provide to supporters:
Key Takeaways
- Your supporters want to help, but they need guidance
- By providing clear instructions, examples, and themes, you empower them to write authentic letters that carry real weight in the sentencing process