Innocence Organizations & Legal Help
These organizations provide legal assistance, investigation, advocacy, and referrals for individuals who may have been wrongfully convicted. Contact information has been verified as of 2025.
The Innocence Project
Founded in 1992 by Barry Scheck and Peter Neufeld at Cardozo School of Law, the Innocence Project is the leading organization dedicated to exonerating the wrongfully convicted through DNA testing and reforming the criminal justice system.
Services:
- •Post-conviction DNA testing and litigation
- •Policy reform advocacy at state and federal levels
- •Public education on wrongful conviction causes
- •Strategic litigation on systemic issues
How to contact / apply: Write a letter explaining your case and mail it to the Intake Department at the address above. The intake team processes requests chronologically. The Innocence Project focuses on cases where identity is at issue and biological evidence exists that could prove innocence through DNA testing.
Note: Does not currently review cases from AZ, CA, IL, MI, OH, or PR — individuals in those states should contact regional Innocence Network members.
Innocence Network
A coalition of approximately 70 independent innocence organizations worldwide, coordinated from New York. Member organizations provide free legal and investigative services to individuals seeking to prove their innocence.
Services:
- •Referrals to regional innocence organizations
- •Coordination of best practices across member groups
- •Policy advocacy and public education
- •Annual conference on wrongful convictions
How to contact / apply: Visit the Innocence Network website to find a member organization in your state or jurisdiction. Each member organization has its own intake process and eligibility criteria.
Note: Applying to the national Innocence Project does not constitute an application to other Innocence Network members — you must apply separately to each.
Prisoners' Legal Services of New York (PLS)
Provides free civil legal services to incarcerated New Yorkers on conditions-of-confinement issues. While PLS primarily handles prison conditions cases, they can provide referrals for wrongful conviction matters.
Services:
- •Civil legal assistance on prison conditions
- •Disciplinary hearing representation
- •Referrals to appropriate legal organizations
- •Regional offices in Albany, Buffalo, Ithaca, Newburgh & Plattsburgh
How to contact / apply: Call or write to the Albany office. Incarcerated individuals may call collect. PLS handles civil (not criminal) matters — they do not represent clients in criminal appeals but can provide referrals.
Note: Does not handle criminal cases, sentences, or county jail matters.
Legal Aid Society — Prisoners' Rights Project
Protects the constitutional rights and safety of individuals incarcerated in NYC jails and NY State prisons through systemic class-action litigation and policy reform.
Services:
- •Systemic civil rights litigation on prison/jail conditions
- •Advocacy for humane conditions and safety
- •Guidance and informational materials on legal rights
- •Helpline for urgent concerns
How to contact / apply: Call the helpline at (888) 663-6680 (Mon–Fri, 10am–3pm). Note: PRP focuses on systemic litigation, not individual criminal defense. They can provide guidance and contact facility officials regarding urgent safety concerns.
Note: Does not handle criminal cases, sentences, or parole matters.
Correctional Association of New York (CANY)
Independent oversight body legally authorized to monitor NY state prisons and report findings to the Legislature. While not a legal services provider, CANY's reports and advocacy have been instrumental in exposing conditions that contribute to wrongful convictions and abuse.
Services:
- •Independent prison monitoring and reporting
- •Policy advocacy for criminal justice reform
- •Public education on incarceration conditions
- •Legislative testimony and recommendations
How to contact / apply: Contact CANY through their website contact form or by phone. For concerns about specific incarcerated individuals, use the online contact form.
Note: CANY is a monitoring and advocacy organization, not a direct legal services provider.