How to Write A Support Letter

Dwayne has illustrated why He is set apart from all the other petitioners who have submitted clemency applications for relief to Governor Cooper. See tabs on the home page entitled: The Old Man Vs the New Man; My Story; Summary of Facts-Dwayne’s Version of Crime, etc.  

Dwayne Haizlip should receive a sentence reduction because:  

• He is an African American male who has been harshly sentenced (22-29 yrs.) for a Non-Violent drug offense. There are no victim(s) involved in his case.  
• Dwayne is the father of 1 lovely daughter, Zy’Annah, and he is family oriented. 
• Dwayne had two separate trials, both for drugs. However, in Dwayne’s second case he was forced to go to trial without a lawyer. It is not fair, just, nor legal that Dwayne was forced to go to trial without an attorney.   
• Governor Roy Cooper acknowledged in Executive Order 145 that “members of communities of color are significantly more likely than the white population to . . . be jailed and imprisonment at a higher rate; and to be sentenced to longer terms of imprisonment.” 1 Additionally, Governor Cooper created North Carolina Task Force For Racial Equity In Criminal Justice (TREC) to help combat issues like harsh sentences levied against African Americans by this state’s judicial branch of government.2  
• Dwayne continues in the Christian maturation process. Furthermore, he has morphed into a powerful man of God—Preacher. He strives to live a life pleasing to God. He serves and exhorts others in his current context; moreover, he has the desire to do the same in our drug and gang infested communities once he is released.  
• His former influence with drugs can now be used as a tool to help combat the drug epidemic that we currently face in society. 

Dwayne request that you write a letter of support mentioning his positive transformation to Governor Cooper. Although Dwayne has an online petition set up on the home page, writing a letter to Governor Cooper is more personalized. It helps bolster support for Dwayne’s clemency appeal.  

Located hereafter is a Template illustrating how to write a support letter for Dwayne to Governor Roy Copper.  

Additionally, if you would like to see an example of an actual letter written by someone on behalf of Dwayne, please go back to the home page and click on to the tab entitled: Example of Support Letter

If you have any questions or need assistance, please email us at:   

releaseforDwayne21@gmail.com 

Thank you very much and God bless you 

To: Governor Roy Cooper 

Exec  Dwayne has illustrated why He is set apart from all the other petitioners who have submitted clemency applications for relief to Governor Cooper. See tabs on the home page entitled: The Old Man Vs the New Man; My Story; Summary of Facts-Dwayne’s Version of Crime, etc. 
Dwayne Haizlip should receive a sentence reduction because:  

• He is an African American male who has been harshly sentenced (22-29 yrs.) for a Non-Violent drug offense. There are no victim(s) involved in his case.  
• Dwayne is the father of 1 lovely daughter, Zy’Annah, and he is family oriented. 
• Dwayne had two separate trials, both for drugs. However, in Dwayne’s second case he was forced to go to trial without a lawyer. It is not fair, just, nor legal that Dwayne was forced to go to trial without an attorney.   
• Governor Roy Cooper acknowledged in Executive Order 145 that “members of communities of color are significantly more likely than the white population to . . . be jailed and imprisonment at a higher rate; and to be sentenced to longer terms of imprisonment.” 1 Additionally, Governor Cooper created North Carolina Task Force For Racial Equity In Criminal Justice (TREC) to help combat issues like harsh sentences levied against African Americans by this state’s judicial branch of government.2 
• Dwayne continues in the Christian maturation process. Furthermore, he has morphed into a powerful man of God—Preacher. He strives to live a life pleasing to God. He serves and exhorts others in his current context; moreover, he has the desire to do the same in our drug and gang infested communities once he is released.  
• His former influence with drugs can now be used as a tool to help combat the drug epidemic that we currently face in society. 

Dwayne request that you write a letter of support mentioning his positive transformation to Governor Cooper. Although Dwayne has an online petition set up on the home page, writing a letter to Governor Cooper is more personalized. It helps bolster support for Dwayne’s clemency appeal.  Located hereafter is a Template illustrating how to write a support letter for Dwayne to Governor Copper. 
Additionally, if you would like to see an example of an actual letter written by someone on behalf of Dwayne, please go back to the home page and click on to the tab entitled: Example of Support Letter
If you have any questions or need assistance, please email us at:   
releaseforDwayne21@gmail.com
Thank you very much and God bless you  

Governor Clemency Office 

4294 Mail Service Center 

Raleigh, N.C. 27699-4294 

From: Name 

Contact Info (e.g., Phone number and/or email address) 

Date 

Subject: Support Letter for Dwayne Haizlip # O161397 (Nash Corr. Inst.) 

Dear Governor Roy Cooper, 

1. In the first paragraph you will introduce yourself. Full name, age, occupation. Also, include your relation to Dwayne and how long have you known him. If you don’t know Dwayne, but want to write a letter of support, please state that you are a registered voter and why this case interests you. For example:  

• Dwayne’s history. 
• Dwayne was sentenced too harshly for drug possession (Non-Violent Offense). 
• Dwayne has already been incarcerated for about ten years now. 
• Dwayne has a daughter and family support.  
• Dwayne has been infraction-free for five years now and has a rarely low infraction rate. 
• Talk about Dwayne’s education achievements (Seminary student “SEBTS,” 3.9. GPA, Pastoral Ministry.). Afterward, Dwayne will be pursuing a Master's Degree in Divinity.  
• Dwayne has accepted responsibility for his past actions.  
• Dwayne regrets his past behaviors. 
• Dwayne serves others in his current context, and he is presently preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 
• I believe Dwayne deserves another chance, etc.  

2. In the second paragraph state that you know that Dwayne is presently incarcerated for a non-violent crime (drugs “cocaine” and habitual the felon, 22-29 yrs.) Dwayne has no victim(s) in his case. Please talk about how Dwayne’s story and how his sentence affects your life. For example, Dwayne's sentence is too harsh for drug possession; and some of the other reasons discussed above in paragraph #1/bullet points.  

3. In the third paragraph talk about how Dwayne's continuous incarceration for a non-violent offense affects you. Do you believe Dwayne has learned his lesson? Do you believe that Dwayne could be an asset to our communities? Especially in the current landscape of the African American community that is plagued by drugs and gangs. It must be noted that Dwayne comes from these types of areas and can empathize with the people who are currently trapped in them.  

4. In the fourth paragraph talk about the change(s) that you see Dwayne has made. His education and rehabilitation history. How do you believwilling Dwayne’s transformation process can be beneficial to others who may be on the brink of making a bad decision? Please state if you are willingly to support Dwayne. Such as: finding employment, housing, encouragement, fellowship, etc. 

5. In the last paragraph close out the letter by imploring Governor Cooper to grant Dwayne’s clemency petition and to contact you with any questions that he may have. 

Respectfully submitted,  

Your name 

This is only a suggested example. However, please feel free to use any creative ideas or other formats that you may have. In particular, that embodies your observations in this matter. 

Thank you very much and God bless you. 

******Please e-mail support letters  to Dwayne's Attorney @:  kwillims@belldavispitt.com******