Eligibility Criteria
To ensure that we can effectively evaluate and address claims of wrongful conviction, submitted cases must meet the following criteria
- Claim of Actual Innocence: The individual asserts that they had no involvement in the crime for which they were convicted.
- Felony Conviction: Our focus is on serious offenses; therefore, we only review felony convictions.
- Jurisdiction: The conviction must have occurred within the state of Texas.
- Post-Conviction Status: The individual must have completed all direct appeals related to their conviction.
Please note that we are unable to assist with:
- General legal assistance unrelated to claims of actual innocence.
- Cases that are currently pending trial or sentencing.
- Requests for educational materials or general information.
- Legal matters outside the scope of wrongful conviction claims.
How to Submit a Case
If your loved one’s case meets the above criteria, you have two options to submit a case
The Inmate Can Write Us: Have them send us a letter with the following information:
Personal Information: Full name, date of birth, and Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) number.
Case Details: A concise description of the case, highlighting specific facts that support the claim of actual innocence.
Mail your letter to:
Truth & Justice Project
5820 Collin McKinney Pkwy, Suite 102A
McKinney, TX 75070
If you would like to submit a case on their behalf, please click here [https://www.truthandjusticeproject.org/submitnewcase/] for our intake form.
Important Notes:
- We do not accept case submissions via email, phone, or fax. All requests must be submitted through postal mail or through our online form.
- Due to the high volume of requests, it may take several months to receive a response. We appreciate your patience during this process.
Our Review Process
Each submission undergoes a thorough multi-stage review
Initial Assessment
We evaluate the submitted information to determine if the case meets our basic criteria.
Comprehensive Document Review
If the case proceeds, we collect and examine all pertinent legal documents, including trial transcripts, police reports, and appellate decisions.
Investigation
Our team conducts an in-depth investigation, which may involve locating new evidence, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with experts.
Legal Representation
Should substantial evidence of innocence be found, we will provide or facilitate legal representation to pursue exoneration.
Please be aware that this process is complex and can span several years, depending on the specifics of the case.
Additional Resources
If your case does not meet our criteria or if you seek further assistance, consider reaching out to the following organizations
Innocence Network
A coalition of organizations dedicated to providing pro bono legal and investigative services to individuals seeking to prove innocence.
Texas Civil Rights Project
Focuses on promoting racial, social, and economic justice through litigation and public policy advocacy.