Structure of the Narrative

Learning Objectives

Six-Part Structure

Apply the framework with clear word-count targets and purposes

Knowledge Base

Record and transcribe a granular knowledge base for AI drafting

AI Workflow

Use a section-by-section workflow to maintain voice and accuracy

Lesson Summary

This lesson moves from theory to practice. You'll learn the exact framework of an effective sentencing narrative and how to build an AI-ready knowledge base to draft it, accurately and in your own voice.

1) Narrative Structure That Works

Whether you pleaded guilty or went to trial, your narrative should follow a predictable, judge-friendly flow using the following as guidelines:

Introduction (400–600 words)

A sincere, first-person opening explaining who you are, why you're writing, and what you hope the Court understands about you. Conversational, respectful, and focused on accountability—no legal argument.

Background (1,200–1,700 words)

Human context: family, education, work, health, recovery, community ties, a vivid scene that shows character. This section will help the judge see beyond the conviction. No excuses—just facts and insight.

Influences Leading to the Crime (400–600 words)

How someone like you ended up here: decisions, blind spots, pressures, missed safeguards. Make sure you're not relitigating the case. Show that you own your decisions and build a case that will advance you as a candidate for leniency.

Lessons Learned (400–600 words)

What changed in your thinking and behavior—books, mentors, therapy, sobriety, programs—and why those changes will endure.

Steps to Reconciliation (400–600 words)

Concrete actions (restitution efforts, apologies, cooperation, compliance, recovery work, community service), with dates and proof when possible.

Conclusion (200–400 words)

A brief, forward-looking request for mercy grounded in accountability and a specific plan never to return to court.

Target a total of 3,000–4,000 words—substantial but tight. The goal is to humanize you and demonstrate credible change.

2) Build an AI-Ready Knowledge Base

If you follow the instructions and prompts offered in the accompanying video, you will build a "knowledge base" to guide your comprehensive mitigation strategy. The first output should be your personal narrative. Record yourself responding, in detail, to the granular questionnaire. The more detail you provide, the more effectively you can build an asset that will help you going forward.

Record yourself responding to the granular questionnaire (identity, case snapshot, acceptance of responsibility, background details, health/mental health/substance history, offense narrative, victims and repair, rehabilitation plan)
Speak in full sentences, spell names, give dates, and state amounts with currency
Speak conversationally, with estimates if you do not know precise details

3) Capture and Transcribe Efficiently

You can use any platform that results in a written transcript that will help you build your knowledge base. Consider using:

Phone voice memos (Apple/Android)
Google Meet (start a meeting alone → start recording and transcription/captions)
YouTube (unlisted) to auto-generate a transcript you can copy

4) Draft with AI One Section at a Time

After you've built your knowledge base, you can start drafting your narrative. Use the prompt offered in the next lesson, then paste your transcript that you recorded. Draft the narrative one section at a time. Work through that section, edit it. Then move to the next section.

We do not recommend dumping the transcript and prompt into AI and asking it to generate the full narrative. Take your time and remember that AI is a tool, but you are the master of your life. By taking a staged approach, your narrative will capture your voice, reduce errors, and keep every paragraph aligned with your single audience—the judge.

5) Connect to the PSR and Mitigation

Your narrative and knowledge base help you build a comprehensive mitigation strategy. It may influence the PSR and document factors that influence programming (e.g., RDAP requires documented substance-use history near arrest). No one should work harder than you toward getting the best outcome.

Assessment Questions

List the six sections of the narrative in order and give the recommended word range for two of them.
What is the primary purpose of the Background section?
- a) Re-argue the case
- b) Provide human context that helps the judge understand you
- c) Criticize the prosecutor
- d) Quote statutes and guidelines
Why should you generate the narrative with AI one section at a time instead of all at once?
True/False: If you don't know a date or amount while recording, you should estimate so AI has something to work with.
Name one way accurate PSR documentation can affect your time in custody and explain how your narrative/knowledge base helps.

Module Resources