Handles claims of actual innocence typically involving DNA evidence testing, mistaken identification, or that a crime never actually occurred. Thurgood Marshall law students work directly on the project and screen cases, obtain and review case histories, investigate facts, interview involved persons, write case timelines and summaries, perform case analyses, and prepare written case evaluations and pleadings. Serves Texas only.

Texas Civil Rights Project's Criminal Legal Program champions the transformation of the Texas carceral system by advocating for humane conditions, including the elimination of solitary confinement and unsafe heat, while pushing for better mental health services and an end to debtor's prison practices. Does not provide individual representation. Serves Texas only.

Sends free books and literature to prisoners in Texas only. Also sends a very informative prisoner resource guide free to prisoners in all states. Please no SASE. Serves people in Texas prisons only.

The Innocence Project of Texas can only review cases that meet the following tests: The prisoner is claiming actual innocence; the conviction is a felony which took place in a Texas state court; and all direct appeals have been completed. Does not accept requests for assistance via email, phone, or fax. Serves Texas state prisoners only (no federal).

Advocacy for disabled people in Texas, including those in some correctional facilities. Resources available to assist with disability discrimination in Correctional Facilities, or suing a Government entity for an injury. To request legal advocacy services, call 1-800-252-9108. Only serves people in Texas.

Project Return equips former offenders with the education, coaching, and support services necessary to gain employment and begin a new life. Project Return conducts pre-release programs in correctional facilities to prepare inmates for their release dates. Offices in Chattanooga (423-609-8986) and Nashville (615-327-9654). Serves Tennessee only.

The Pennsylvania Innocence Project only takes on cases from factually innocent individuals who have been wrongfully convicted and exhausted their appeals. The Project takes on cases with or without DNA evidence, and will consider arson, shaken baby syndrome, and child abuse cases. Only serves people convicted in Pennsylvania.

PPS offers resources to Pennsylvania prisoners in the form of an official visiting program to help people in custody with issues they may be experiencing while in confinement, a free resource program where information requested is sent via mail, and re-entry services, including mentoring, peer support groups and referrals. It also publishes “Graterfriends,” a newsletter published 6 times a year by and for incarcerated people with issues relevant to them ($3.00 for an annual prisoner subscription). Does not provide legal assistance or representation. Serves PA only for visits; newsletter and resource program available to all.

The Pennsylvania Institutional Law Project (PILP) provides free civil legal assistance to people who are incarcerated or detained in Pennsylvania on their constitutional and civil rights claims. PILP’s intake process is primarily by letter or legal mail. Intake may also be conducted by phone, M-F 9am-5pm; via email; or online at https://pilp.org/contact (click “Submit Request for Online Assistance”).

The Human Rights Coalition (HRC) is a network of currently and formerly incarcerated people and their advocates. They are fighting for the abolishment of solitary confinement in Pennsylvania prisons. The Movement magazine is published quarterly and available online, accepting submissions two pages max. Responds to letters. Serves Pennsylvania only.