I need to write a commutation letter by the end of the day tomorrow for my uncle. He was convicted in 1978 of 4 counts of rape and got 72 yrs. I don't know how to write such a letter, the rest of the family is doing the "he needs to be home for elderly family members" thing which I read on here can actually hurt his case. And I don't know many details about the case to even write the letter. He keeps applying every year and getting turned down obviously. There were 4 guys involved with 4 girls, they went out and did some acid and the guys had sex with the girls. Well apparently one of the girls was dating a Sheriff at the time, and when he found out she cheated, she claimed rape. All the other guys got out in a few years and he's stuck for 72 years. Can any of you write letters for his commutation? If not, can you help me write mine?? Any and all help is extremely appreciated. My grandparents have spent well over $100,000 in legal fees over the years and keep getting ripped off by lawyers that take their money, say they will take on the case and never do ONE THING! I'm sure this is common, but now this is getting really rediculous. Please help? :D

All I can suggest, and it's from my one experience ... and I have a graduate degree in Social Work and studied criminology ... he must have remorse. You have to remember who is reading this letter. When you claim to be "innocent" or a victim of circumstance the general public rolls their eyes. Even if it were the worst circumstance in the world and he was actually a victim, he can't say that because, frankly, everyone says that. He has to get their attention. As for your letter, write from the heart. That's all you can do.