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Wall of Innocence
Every page on this wall is someone's story: people who say they were convicted of something they didn't do, and the families standing with them. Tap a page to bring it forward and read it.
Wrongfully convicted? Get help
These groups review cases for free. Most get far more requests than they can take, so apply to more than one, and keep copies of everything you send. See the groups for your state.
Innocence Project
The best-known national group. Reviews cases where DNA evidence could prove innocence, and explains how to apply.
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Innocence Network
A network of innocence organizations across the U.S. Find the group that takes cases in your state.
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National Registry of Exonerations
Every known U.S. exoneration since 1989, searchable by state and cause. Useful for spotting cases like yours.
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Centurion
Works on cases of people serving life or death sentences for crimes they didn't commit, including non-DNA cases.
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NACDL (criminal defense lawyers)
The national defense lawyers' association, with resources on appeals and post-conviction work.
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1. Gather the paperwork
Case number, court, dates, trial transcripts, police reports and any new evidence. Innocence groups ask for these first.
2. Apply for a case review
Use the groups above. Many handle one state or one kind of case, so check who covers yours, and apply to more than one.
3. Keep someone writing
Letters matter. A pen pal or family member who keeps writing can follow up, make calls and keep the story alive.
Stories are the writers' own accounts. PenPalsOnly doesn't investigate cases or give legal advice. For legal help, contact one of the organizations above or a lawyer.