Dear Members of the Parole Board,

My name is Jesus “Junior” Lopez, and I respectfully submit this letter to explain my situation and ask for your mercy and understanding.

Since my release, I have made a sincere effort to live an honest and lawful life. I obtained legitimate employment in Vancouver, working a regular 9-to-5 job and doing my best to support myself through legal means. I have tried to follow the rules placed before me and to build a stable life.

However, the reality of my financial situation has been extremely difficult. After paying for the basic necessities required to keep my job and maintain housing—gas for my car so I can commute to work, car insurance, rent, and the minimum payments on credit card debts—I often found myself with little or no money left for food. I was working full time but still struggling to meet the most basic needs of daily life.

I am not making excuses for my mistakes. I take responsibility for my actions. I simply want the Board to understand the hardship and pressure I was under while trying to remain employed and reintegrate into society. My intention has always been to work honestly and move forward in a better direction.

I respectfully ask the Court and the Parole Board to please have mercy and consider my efforts to live legitimately and support myself. I am committed to continuing to work, to follow the law, and to prove that I can be a productive member of the community.

Thank you for taking the time to read my letter and consider my circumstances.

Respectfully,

Jesus “Junior” Lopez