Resources: Innocence Projects

Accepts cases only where the conviction occurred in the following Southern California counties: Imperial, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura (for all other CA counties, see the Northern California Innocence Project). In addition to DNA cases, they also review cases that may involve witness recantations, changes in science, government misconduct, or ineffective assistance of counsel – so long as there is evidence of innocence to support the claim. Serves people convicted in Southern California counties only.

Accepts cases of actual innocence in the United States, both DNA and non-DNA Cases. Will consider arson and shaken baby syndrome cases. No sentence requirements. All requests must come directly from the person seeking representation.

Advocacy and investigative organization that considers cases of factual innocence primarily in murder and rape cases carrying life or death sentences, but other cases of factual innocence may be considered. They do not take on accidental death, self-defense cases, or cases where the defendant had any involvement in the crime. Prisoners fitting the above criteria may send a letter (four pages or less) outlining the facts of the case, with a summary including the following points: what they were convicted of; brief description of the crime; why they were arrested and taken to trial; what evidence was used to convict; and what evidence there is that points toward innocence.

Accepts cases of actual innocence in Connecticut; DNA and non-DNA cases. Sentence must include at least a ten year period of incarceration and be no less than five years from estimated release date. There must be some new evidence in the case which would establish innocence. Serves Connecticut only. 

Accepts cases of actual innocence in Georgia; DNA and non-DNA cases; you must have at least five years left on your sentence to serve in prison, or you must be on the Georgia Sex Offender Registry. Serves Georgia Only.

Legal non-profit clinic accepts applications from anyone who has been convicted of a crime occurring in Hawai'i AND is factually innocent of that crime. Applications can be downloaded from the website or can be mailed to you. Serves Hawaii only. Expect delays in the summer and due to covid.

Reviews cases where the applicant claims to be actually innocent of the crime(s) for which he or she is convicted. Must be substantial new evidence to support a claim of innocence, such as DNA evidence. Must have at least 8 years left on your sentence and not already be represented. Cannot take on all applicants. Expect delays, especially during summer. Serves Illinois only. 

A very small number of post-conviction cases are accepted where Innocence Matters assumes the role of the lead lawyer, but only if the following criteria are met: Inmate is currently serving time for a Los Angeles County case; is factually innocent; is indigent and is willing to take and able to pass a polygraph; or if inmate has been rejected by the California Innocence Project. Please understand that we have a long waiting list and it will be many months before you hear back from us.  DO NOT SEND CASE MATERIALS!  LARGE ENVELOPES WILL BE RETURNED UNOPENED. Due to the incredibly high volume of requests we receive, there is no guarantee we will handle your case even if you are eligible for our services.

Evaluates cases of wrongful convictions if three criteria are met: (1) the inmate must have been convicted of a crime in Virginia, (2) the conviction must be final, and (3) the inmate is actually innocent of the crime of which he or she was convicted. Decision is based on the likelihood of being able to prove innocence, the availability of legal remedies, and capacity. To be considered, send a letter requesting their application packet. Serves Virginia only. 

Accepts cases of actual innocence in Florida; DNA and Non-DNA cases. No sentence requirements. Does not accept federal cases or cases on direct appeal. Also provides transitional and aftercare services to exonerees. Serves Florida 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).

The Korey Wise Innocence Project (fKWIP) will not take cases in which the defendant already has a lawyer, or is entitled to a lawyer at state expense. The KWIP will take a case only where there is a genuine and provable claim of innocence. The KWIP gets involved only when the traditional methods of appealing a conviction have failed. Only Colorado cases will be accepted (state and federal). Write for a copy  of evaluation criteria.

Students represent indigent clients seeking relief from wrongful Indiana convictions in state post-conviction and/or federal habeas corpus proceedings. State cases are accepted in cooperation with the Office of the State Public Defender. Accepts cases of actual innocence; DNA and Non-DNA Cases; will consider arson, Shaken Baby Syndrome, and child abuse cases. Serves Indiana only.

Free investigative and legal assistance to innocent prisoners convicted in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia who have provable claims of innocence, either by DNA testing or by other newly discovered evidence. The prisoner must not be currently represented by another attorney in his or her criminal case, or have the right to appointed counsel in the case. Write in for questionnaire. District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia only.