Exonerate: Our Commitment to Justice
At the Truth & Justice Project, our foremost mission is to exonerate individuals who have been wrongfully convicted. We understand that miscarriages of justice not only devastate the lives of the innocent but also undermine the integrity of our legal system. Our dedicated team works tirelessly to identify, investigate, and overturn wrongful convictions, striving to restore freedom and dignity to those unjustly imprisoned.
The Prevalence of Wrongful Convictions
Studies estimate that wrongful convictions occur at a rate of 2% to 6%, suggesting that thousands of innocent individuals are currently incarcerated. These alarming statistics highlight the urgent need for organizations like ours to intervene and rectify these injustices.
Our Approach to Exoneration
Our comprehensive process involves
- Case Evaluation: We meticulously review applications to identify credible claims of innocence, focusing on cases with new or previously overlooked evidence.
- Investigation: Our team conducts in-depth investigations, re-examining evidence, interviewing witnesses, and uncovering any instances of misconduct or errors that may have led to a wrongful conviction.
- Legal Advocacy: Collaborating with experienced attorneys, we present compelling cases to the courts, advocating for the exoneration and release of the wrongfully convicted.
Challenges in the Exoneration Process
Achieving exoneration is often a lengthy and costly endeavor. On average, it takes approximately 12 years to secure an exoneration, with costs reaching around $235,000 per case. These figures underscore the complexity and resource-intensive nature of our work.innocencetexas.org
Contributing Factors to Wrongful Convictions
Several systemic issues contribute to wrongful convictions, including:
- Eyewitness Misidentification: Present in approximately 72% of DNA exoneration cases, highlighting the unreliability of certain identification procedures.Innocence Project
- False Accusations and Perjury: Contributing to 61% of wrongful convictions, often involving incentivized witnesses providing false testimony.
- Official Misconduct: Found in 57% of exoneration cases, where authorities have engaged in unethical practices that compromise justice.
- Misapplied Forensic Science: Accounting for 23% of wrongful convictions, involving the use of invalid or improperly conducted forensic methods.
- False Confessions: Occurring in 12% of cases, often resulting from coercive interrogation techniques.
Your Role in the Fight for Justice
Addressing these injustices requires collective effort. Your support enables us to continue our vital work in exonerating the innocent and advocating for systemic reforms. Together, we can strive towards a more just and equitable legal system.
Support Our Mission
Your contributions empower us to
- Investigate and litigate cases of wrongful convictions.
- Provide resources and support to exonerees as they rebuild their lives.
- Advocate for policy changes to prevent future miscarriages of justice.