Family members can help locate records, clarify chronology and describe firsthand observations

Prepare with counsel to speak accurately about responsibility, harm and demonstrated change

Keep the original chronology intact and add dated developments

An accountability statement should address your conduct, its consequences, what you have learned and what you have done differently

Replace a broad statement of change with a dated action, a record and a person able to verify what occurred

An explanation identifies the decisions and circumstances that contributed to the conduct while keeping responsibility clear

Use words you understand, describe experiences you can explain and remove language that sounds borrowed

There is no universal length established by Joseph’s preparation framework

A personal narrative explains the defendant’s experience and actions in the defendant’s voice

Start with a factual account of your background, decisions, the harm involved and the changes you have actually made