Appendix E
Sample Letter of Support

1. Why you are writing: This can be a general statement ("I am writing to provide a character reference for Mr. John Smith") and/or phrased as specific request ("I write to request that the Court consider Mr. John Smith's request to reopen his court case" or "I am writing in support of John Smith's application to this Court for a new installment agreement to pay off his outstanding court fines" or "I am writing to provide a character reference for John Smith, and to support his request for the Court's assistance in regaining his driving privileges.").

2. Who you are and how you know the person you are supporting: You should indicate the extent of your knowledge of the person (e.g., you have known her for two years, since first serving as her job counselor, or she has been a student in the program you direct for the past three months, you have been her family's pastor for ten years). If you know this person from a particular program, you may want to say something about the program, what students learn there, the kinds of jobs they get.

3. What you know about the person: The point of the letter is to say something to convince the judge that this person deserves the court's assistance or leniency, that the person has shown evidence of good character, or rehabilitation, or responsibility. So, try to be specific in your comments. Don't simply say, "I think Bill Simpson is good guy" but rather provide some description of why you think Bill Simpson is a good guy, e.g., he has had exceptional attendance in our program, has considerably improved his skills, has done X to show his willingness to take on responsibility, has graduated from this program and achieved this certificate and has already received two job offers, has had trouble in the past but has shown in these ways how he is moving forward, etc.

4. Why the person needs his or her driver's license: If you can, be specific about why regaining the driver's license matters, for example, if there is a particular job opportunity available that requires a license. Do acknowledge, if you feel comfortable doing so, that this person understands and accepts his or her obligations to the court and is seeking to behave responsibly.

5. Remember to include your contact information.

March 18, 2003 The Honorable Judge Albert Jones Bennigan Township Municipal Court 555 Main Street Bennigan Township, NJ 00000 Dear Judge Jones: I am writing to provide a character reference for Janice Wilson, and to support her request for the Court's assistance in regaining her driving privileges. This month, Ms. Wilson successfully completed our eight-week pre-apprenticeship program in excellent standing. The XXXX program is geared to Newark residents who have not been in the workforce and seek to qualify for skilled union construction jobs. The course work and requirements are rigorous, including courses in Applied Math, Construction Basics, and Life Skills Development. Ms. Wilson's attendance and overall classroom demeanor during the program served as a model for other students to follow. In addition, she organized a tutoring class for students needing additional help, showing her initiative, her commitment to succeed and her concern for her fellow students. In my conversations with her, she has clearly indicated her desire to move forward with her life in a positive way, and, based on her behavior, and her leadership abilities, I believe that she can and will, if given the opportunity. The construction apprenticeship positions for which Ms. Wilson has successfully trained, which will enable her to become financially self-sufficient, require not only a high school diploma or GED, which she has earned, but also a valid New Jersey driver's license. I am aware, as is Ms. Wilson, that she has obligations to this court that she must meet, and feel it is important that she address them. Because I believe that she is making her best effort to do so, I hope that this Court will use its discretion to assist her to become a productive and participatory member of our community. If I can provide any additional information regarding Ms. Wilson or our program, please do not hesitate to contact me at XXXXXXXX. Sincerely, Bill Brown Program Director