An appropriate address Use the same format as a traditional business letter with the date and full address at the top of the page. If addressed to an individual, make sure to use the correct title (Mr., Ms., Your Honor). Otherwise, start with “Dear State Board of Pardons and Parole,”. Example: “October 23, 2018 State Board of Pardons and Paroles Mueller Rock Drive, N.W. Tower Austin, TX 78794-7384 Dear State Board of Pardons and Parole,” Your full name and relationship to the person Introduce yourself and how you know the person to be potentially pardoned. It’s imperative that you make sure your letter is completely true, as you are under penalty of perjury. Examples: “My name is Claudia Bowlen. I’m a college professor living in Round Rock, Texas. I’ve known Beatrice for seven years, as she was a student of mine in both middle and high school when I taught Social Studies at Leander High.” “My name is Robert Dawson and I’m the Director of Operations at a local theatre in Tucson, Arizona. Marcus worked as both my assistant and as a sound engineer in the theatre for four years.” Reasons they should be pardoned Talk to the person seeking to be pardoned and ask them why they think they should be. Keep in mind that you may be penalized for writing anything that you have no direct knowledge of, so make sure that what you write is true. * Reasons should have to do with personal or independent goals (e.g., education, career) * Avoid reasons regarding clearing one’s name or restoring certain rights Examples: “Beatrice is full of potential and her pardoning would mean that she can get a scholarship, acquire a degree in counseling, help others, and provide for her family.” “Marcus is thoughtful, bright, and tenacious. He would like to be pardoned so he can follow his dreams of being a teacher and ultimately starting an educational nonprofit.” Traits of the person to be pardoned Think about the positive traits of the person that might support your arguments for their pardoning. These are things that you yourself have witnessed first-hand and can be stated simply or put in the format of a short anecdote. Examples: “She is a light to those around her and always willing and eager to help.” “He is a man of upstanding character. He showed up on time, did his work diligently, and helped others accomplish various tasks whenever he could.” A closing Express gratitude and include your contact information in case someone from the department needs to contact you. Leave enough space for your handwritten signature to be signed in front of a notary. * Pardon letters must to be signed in front of a notary to prove your identity as the writer and signer of the document. Examples: “Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, Claudia Bowlen Claudia Bowlen 484 Willow Bark Drive Round Rock, TX 78937 512-857-0004”