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Use the provided information to reach out and start your journey of exoneration.
Local Legal Directory For Wrongful Convictions
Section 1: Texas-Based Innocence Clinics & Legal Organizations
Harris County District Attorney’s Office: Conviction Integrity Division
The Conviction Integrity Division (CID) reviews whether newly discovered or newly available evidence can clearly and convincingly establish that a convicted person is actually innocent. If their investigation indicates that an innocent person was wrongfully convicted, the division works to help them obtain appropriate relief.
The CID does NOT make findings or determinations of actual innocence or wrongful convictions. Only the courts determine this. It’s still the convicted person’s responsibility to file a writ of habeas corpus to get an official ruling on actual innocence.
Wait time for response: minimum several months
Requirements
- The Conviction Integrity Division will investigate claims of actual innocence and wrongful convictions if the person follows two key eligibility requirements:
- Has been convicted by the Harris County District Attorney’s Office
- Does NOT have a pending post-conviction writ
Contact
- Phone Number: (713) 274-5800
- Office Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 8 AM–5 PM
- Saturday – Sunday: Closed
- Office Hours:
- Email: da@dao.hctx.net
Address
Please mail the completed form and copies of any supporting documentation to:
Harris County District Attorney’s Office
Conviction Integrity Division
1201 Franklin Street, Suite 600
Houston, Texas 77002
Forms and Documentations
To request an investigation from The CID, please complete this form and mail it to their address.
Case Review Forms:
Innocence Project of Texas
The Innocence Project of Texas works to achieve the release and exoneration of wrongfully convicted Texans by providing first-rate legal counsel and investigative services at NO COST. They have freed 40 Texans and are actively working on cases to continue exonerating those who deserve justice. We read and respond to every written request for help that we receive.
Their goal is to determine whether your case meets their acceptance criteria and if innocence can be proven. Due to the complexity of these cases and current heavy caseloads, the process from the initial request to potential litigation takes several years.
To read their step-by-step explanation about their case review process, click the link below.
Wait time for response: minimum several months
Requirements
- The Innocence Project of Texas reviews cases that meet the following requirements:
- You must be claiming actual innocence. Either no crime occurred or a crime did happen but you did not have a role in it.
- Your conviction is a felony. They do NOT review misdemeanor cases.
- Your conviction took place in a Texas court.
- You have been convicted and have completed your direct appeals.
- They are unable to assist with:
- General requests for legal help
- Pending criminal cases where the defendant has not yet been convicted
- Requests for educational materials
- Any other legal matters that do not involve a claim of actual innocence
Contact
They do NOT accept case submissions or requests via email, phone, or fax.
- Phone Number: (817) 813-3316
- Office Hours: Unknown, most likely operates during standard professional hours
- Email: Info@InnocenceTexas.org
Address
Please mail case review requests to:
The Innocence Project of Texas
300 Burnett St., Suite 160
Fort Worth, TX 76102
Forms and Documentations
- How To Submit A Case
- Submit a case by writing them a letter and you MUST include the convicted person’s Texas Department of Criminal Justice number.
- The letter should include a brief description of the case with specific information that you believe supports an actual innocence claim.
- If the case meets the requirements above and describes a reasonable possibility of actual innocence, they will be in touch to collect more information and continue the review process.
University of North Texas at Dallas: Joyce Ann Brown Innocence Clinic
The Joyce Ann Brown Innocence Clinic uses a multidisciplinary approach, pairing law students with students in forensics, criminal justice, and other fields to investigate and evaluate cases. This clinic is named after Joyce Ann Brown, a wrongfully convicted woman who spent over nine years in prison, which is why they emphasize representing people, not just cases. The Joyce Clinic provides representation to individuals who cannot afford a lawyer. Although all cases are handled by law students, it’s under the guidance and supervision of clinical faculty.
Wait time for response: minimum several weeks
Requirements
- The Joyce Ann Brown Innocence Clinic considers cases that comply with the following criteria:
- Claims of actual innocence: The person seeking assistance must be in no way responsible for the crimes for which they were convicted.
- Sentence requirement: Five years or more remaining on your sentence.
- Post-conviction status: The trial must be completed and resulted in a conviction and sentence.
- New evidence: There is new evidence that was not available during the original trial.
- They are unable to assist with:
- Claims of self-defense
Contact
- UNT Dallas College of Law (clinic’s contact information is unavailable)
- Phone Number: (214) 752-5959
- Office Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 7 AM–10:30 PM
- Friday: 7 AM–6 PM
- Saturday – Sunday: Closed
- Monday – Thursday: 7 AM–10:30 PM
- Office Hours:
Address
Please mail the completed form and copies of any supporting documentation to:
Joyce Ann Brown Innocence Clinic
UNT Dallas College of Law
106 S Harwood St
Dallas, Texas 75201
Forms and Documentations
- First: Complete the Texas Prisoner Innocence Questionnaire
- Please answer all questions on the questionnaire.
- If you do not know an answer, please write “I do not know.”
- If a question does not apply to your situation, please write “Does not apply.”
- Second: Sign the Consent for Release of Information form
- Texas Prisoner Innocence Questionnaire and Consent Form:
DO NOT SEND ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS AT THIS TIME. If the clinic needs additional information, it will be requested from you. You may attach additional pages to explain your case if necessary.
Thurgood Marshall School of Law Innocence Project
The Thurgood Marshall School Of Law Innocence Project (TMSLIP) takes a client-centered approach, thoroughly investigating each case by reviewing records, trial transcripts, crime scene photos, and evidence, and speaking directly with those involved. TMSLIP provides representation to individuals who cannot afford a lawyer. Although all cases are handled by law students, it’s under the guidance and supervision of clinical faculty.
Wait time for response: minimum several weeks
Requirements
- The Thurgood Marshall School Of Law Innocence Project considers cases that comply with the following criteria:
- Claims of actual innocence: The person seeking assistance must be in no way responsible for the crimes for which they were convicted.
- Sentence requirement: Five years or more remaining on your sentence.
- Post-conviction status: The trial must be completed and resulted in a conviction and sentence.
- New evidence: There is new evidence that was not available during the original trial.
Contact
Innocence Project Inquiries
- Phone Number: (713) 313-1161
- Office Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 8 AM–4 PM
- Saturday – Sunday: Closed
- Office Hours:
School of Law’s Main Office
- Phone Number: (713) 313-7275
- Office Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 8 AM–4 PM
- Saturday – Sunday: Closed
- Office Hours:
Criminal Law Clinic
- Email: crimlaw@tmslaw.tsu.edu
Address
Please mail the completed form and copies of any supporting documentation to:
Innocence Project
Thurgood Marshall School of Law
3100 Cleburne St.
Houston, TX 77004
Forms and Documentation
- First: Complete the Texas Prisoner Innocence Questionnaire
- Please answer all questions on the questionnaire.
- If you do not know an answer, please write “I do not know.”
- If a question does not apply to your situation, please write “Does not apply.”
- Second: Sign the Consent for Release of Information form
- Texas Prisoner Innocence Questionnaire and Consent Form:
- Third: Apply for legal services through this online intake form:
DO NOT SEND ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS AT THIS TIME. If the clinic needs additional information, it will be requested from you. You may attach additional pages to explain your case if necessary.
University of Texas: Actual Innocence Clinic
In The Actual Innocence Clinic (AIC), law students typically interview witnesses, research cases, review trial transcripts, and visit inmates in prison. AIC provides representation to individuals who cannot afford a lawyer. Although all cases are handled by law students, it’s under the guidance and supervision of clinical faculty.
Wait time for response: minimum several weeks
Requirements
- The Actual Innocence Clinic considers cases that comply with the following criteria:
- Claims of actual innocence: The person seeking assistance must be in no way responsible for the crimes for which they were convicted.
- Conviction requirement: Felony
- Post-conviction status: The trial must be completed and resulted in a conviction and sentence.
- New evidence: There is new evidence that was not available during the original trial.
- They are unable to assist cases:
- From prisoners who have an attorney representing them and pending on direct appeal
- From offenders who have already served their sentence
- From inmates on parole or probation
- Involving DWIs or federal offenses
Contact
They do NOT accept case submissions or requests via email, phone, or fax.
Charles Press, Director of Texas Law’s Actual Innocence Clinic
- Phone Number: (512) 471-1317
- Office Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 8 AM–5 PM
- Saturday – Sunday: Closed
- Office Hours:
Address
Please mail the completed form and copies of any supporting documentation to:
Actual Innocence Clinic
The University of Texas School of Law
727 E. Dean Keeton St.
Austin, TX 78705
Forms and Documentation
- First: Complete the Texas Prisoner Innocence Questionnaire
- Please answer all questions on the questionnaire.
- If you do not know an answer, please write “I do not know.”
- If a question does not apply to your situation, please write “Does not apply.”
- Second: Sign the Consent for Release of Information form
- Texas Prisoner Innocence Questionnaire and Consent Form:
DO NOT SEND ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS AT THIS TIME. If the clinic needs additional information, it will be requested from you. You may attach additional pages to explain your case if necessary.
University of Houston: The Texas Innocence Network (T.I.N.)
The Texas Innocence Network was created in 2000 and it’s based at the University of Houston Law Center (UHLC). It’s Texas’ oldest innocence network, and UHLC’s students constantly work on the hundreds of investigations that are open and ongoing at any given time. Although all cases are handled by law students, it’s under the guidance and supervision of clinical faculty.
Wait time for response: minimum several weeks
Requirements
- The Texas Innocence Network considers cases that comply with the following criteria:
- Claims of actual innocence: The person seeking assistance must be in no way responsible for the crimes for which they were convicted.
- Post-conviction status: The trial must be completed and resulted in a conviction and sentence.
- New evidence: There is new evidence that was not available during the original trial.
Contact
University of Houston’s Law Center
- Phone Number: (713) 743-2100
- Office Hours:
- Monday – Thursday: 7:30 AM–10 PM
- Friday: 7:30 AM–8 PM
- Saturday: 9 AM–8 PM
- Sunday: 9 AM–10 PM
- Office Hours:
For capital (death penalty) matters, please contact Professor Jeff Newberry:
- Email: JRNewber@central.uh.edu
- Phone Number: (713) 743-6843
- Office Hours: Unknown, most likely operates during standard professional hours
For noncapital (not death penalty) matters, please contact Professor Cassandra Jeu:
- Email: CCJeu@central.uh.edu
- Phone Number: (713) 743-7552 (Texas Innocence Network)
- Office Hours: Unknown, most likely operates during standard professional hours
Professor David Dow, the founder of the Texas Innocence Network
- Email: ddow@central.uh.edu
- Contact Form:
Address
Please mail the completed form and copies of any supporting documentation to:
The Texas Innocence Network
University of Houston Law Center
4170 Martin Luther King Blvd
Houston, TX 77204-6060
Forms and Documentation
- First: Complete the Texas Prisoner Innocence Questionnaire
- Please answer all questions on the questionnaire.
- If you do not know an answer, please write “I do not know.”
- If a question does not apply to your situation, please write “Does not apply.”
- Second: Sign the Consent for Release of Information form
- Texas Prisoner Innocence Questionnaire and Consent Form:
DO NOT SEND ANY OTHER DOCUMENTS AT THIS TIME. If the clinic needs additional information, it will be requested from you. You may attach additional pages to explain your case if necessary.
Section 2: National Innocence Organizations That Accept Texas Cases
Centurion
Centurion is a national nonprofit dedicated to freeing individuals who have been wrongfully convicted, particularly in the toughest cases, where scientific evidence is limited or nonexistent. With over 40 years of investigative and post-conviction legal experience, Centurion reviews more than 1,100 innocence claims each year through a rigorous, multi-stage case development process. Their team conducts in-depth investigations, uncovers new evidence, and identifies viable legal avenues to prove actual innocence.
Since 1983, the organization has secured the freedom of 70 individuals, representing more than 1,500 years of wrongful imprisonment. They remain committed to taking on complex cases that others often overlook.
Beyond exoneration, Centurion provides extensive post-release support, helping clients transition into life after prison with assistance in housing, employment, healthcare, and social services.
Wait time for response: 8 weeks
Requirements
- Centurion considers cases that comply with the following criteria:
- Claims of actual innocence: The person seeking assistance must be in no way responsible for the crimes for which they were convicted.
- Sentence Requirement: They consider a life sentence to be 15 years minimum to serve before parole eligibility. However, other cases of factual innocence that are not life or death sentences may still be considered.
- Post-conviction status: The trial must be completed and resulted in a conviction and sentence.
- They are unable to assist with cases regarding:
- Accidental death
- Self-defense
Contact
- They firmly insist that no one calls their office, so not yourself, family, or friends. They will not discuss your case with anyone but you, and this is done only through correspondence.
- Phone Number: (609) 921-0334
- Office Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 9 AM–6 PM EST
- Saturday – Sunday: Closed
- Office Hours:
- Email: info@centurion.org
Address
Please mail the completed request and copies of any supporting documentation to:
Centurion, Inc.
Attn: Case Development Manager
1000 Herrontown Road
Princeton, NJ 08540
Forms and Documentations
How to Submit A Case
- Send them a letter (four pages or less) outlining the facts of your case.
- Your summary should include the following points:
- What you were convicted of?
- Give a brief description of the crime.
- Why were you arrested and taken to trial?
- What evidence was used to convict you?
- What evidence is there that points toward your innocence?
DO NOT SEND ANY OTHER MATERIALS. They do not accept unsolicited documents unless they personally request it from you.
Exoneration Project
The Exoneration Project (EP) provides FREE legal representation to individuals who have been wrongfully convicted. Operating as a clinic at the University of Chicago Law School, the EP partners with other innocence organizations and brings together attorneys, investigators, students, and forensic experts to build strong innocence claims. Since 2007, the EP has helped exonerate nearly 200 people, offering comprehensive services including forensic testing, expert analysis, and litigation support. In addition to freeing innocent individuals, the EP supports exonerees as they rebuild their lives.
Wait time for response: 2 years
Requirements
- The Exoneration Project considers cases that comply with the following criteria:
- Claims of actual innocence: The person seeking assistance must be in no way responsible for the crimes for which they were convicted.
- Sentence Requirement: There is NO minimum sentence requirement and they review cases with any sentence length, including cases where the defendant has served their complete sentence or plead guilty.
- Post-conviction status: The trial must be completed and resulted in a conviction and sentence.
- They are unable to assist with:
- Cases of self-defense or to address other errors (like an excessive sentence, or the sufficiency of the evidence)
- Cases where the claim is an affirmative defense such as consensual sex
Contact
They do NOT accept case submissions or requests for assistance via email, phone, or fax.
- Phone Number: (312) 789-4955
- Office Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 9 AM–5 PM CST
- Saturday – Sunday: Closed
- Office Hours:
- Email: intake@exonerationproject.org
Address
Please mail the completed request and copies of any supporting documentation to:
Exoneration Project Intake
311 N. Aberdeen Street, 3rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60607
Forms and Documentations
To request legal representation and case review from The EP, please complete this form and mail it to their address.
Intake Forms:
Innocence Project
The Innocence Project is a national nonprofit dedicated to freeing wrongfully convicted people and reforming the criminal justice system. Founded in 1992, it uses DNA testing to overturn convictions when biological evidence can prove innocence, while also investigating non-DNA cases, especially older ones where evidence may be limited. The organization has helped exonerate more than 250 people, including two individuals freed in 2025, and works to address systemic issues such as false confessions, faulty eyewitness identifications, and unreliable forensic practices. All services are provided FREE of cost.
Wait time for response: minimum several months
Requirements
- The Innocence Project ONLY considers cases that are:
- The trial has been completed, an appeal has taken place and the person is serving their sentence.
- There is physical evidence that, if subjected to DNA testing, will prove that the applicant is innocent. This means that physical evidence was collected — for example blood, bodily fluids, clothing, hair — and if that evidence can be found and tested, the test will prove that the applicant could not have committed the crime. The applicant must have been convicted of a crime. We do not review claims where the applicant was wrongfully suspected, arrested or charged, but not convicted.
- The crime occurred in the United States.
- The Innocence Project only reviews a limited number of cases where DNA testing cannot prove innocence. Further, the Innocence Project does NOT handle the following types of cases:
- Consent / Transaction: The applicant claims that there was no crime because the victim consented to the events (e.g. consensual intercourse) and/or received some form of payment in exchange for the activity (e.g. prostitution, drug transaction)
- Self-defense / Justification: The applicant admits to causing the injury/death but believes the acts were justified because the applicant acted in self-defense or to protect other people.
- Sustained Abuse: The applicant is accused of crime against the victim(s) that happened more than once and over a period of time (e.g., allegations of long-term sexual abuse of a family member).
- Illegal Possession / Distribution of any controlled substance: The applicant is only challenging a possession or distribution charge.
- RICO / Hobbs Act: The applicant has been charged under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) or the Hobbs Act.
- DWI or DUI: The applicant was convicted of driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI).
- Fraud / Identity Theft / Forgery: The applicant was only convicted of one or more of these crimes.
- Stalking / Harassment: The primary charges against the applicant involve stalking and/or harassment.
- Sentencing Reduction / Overcharged: The applicant wants to challenge the charge or length of sentence but does not claim innocence.
Contacts
They do NOT accept case submissions or inquiries via email, phone, or fax.
- Phone Number: (212) 364-5340
- Office Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 10AM–6PM EST
- Saturday – Sunday: Closed
- Office Hours:
- Email: info@innocenceproject.org
Address
Please mail the completed form and copies of any supporting documentation to:
Innocence Project
Intake Department
40 Worth St., Suite 701
New York, NY 10013
Forms and Documentation
To request legal representation and case review from The Innocence Project, please complete this form and mail it to their address.
Intake Forms:
Northwestern Pritzker School Of Law: The Center on Wrongful Convictions
The Center on Wrongful Convictions (CWC) works to uncover and correct wrongful convictions nationwide. Since its founding in 1999, the CWC has helped exonerate more than 40 innocent people and receives thousands of requests for help each year. The Center is nationally recognized for its expertise in false confessions and police interrogation practices, contributing to the exoneration of more than 20 individuals who falsely confessed.
Wait time for response: minimum several months
Requirements
- The Center on Wrongful Convictions considers cases that comply with the following criteria:
- Claims of actual innocence: The person seeking assistance must be in no way responsible for the crimes for which they were convicted.
- Post-conviction status: The trial must be completed and resulted in a conviction and sentence.
- They are unable to assist:
- Sentence reduction requests
Contact
They do NOT accept case submissions or requests via email, phone, or fax.
- Phone Number: (312) 503-2391
- Office Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM–5 PM CST
- Saturday – Sunday: Closed
- Office Hours:
- Email: cwc@law.northwestern.edu
Address
Please mail the completed request and copies of any supporting documentation to:
Center on Wrongful Convictions
Northwestern Pritzker School of Law
375 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60611
Forms and Documentations
- A written request from the inmate must be sent to the clinic; it CANNOT come from family or friends. However, they will accept supplemental materials from third parties.
- How to Submit A Case
- Please send them a letter to their address. The letter should briefly summarize the events that led to your current incarceration.
- During this process, the CWC will not provide phone or mail updates about the status of the review.
- The CWC will send a letter after the review process has been completed.
Section 3: Texas-Based Lawyers
Houston Lawyer Referral Service
The Houston Lawyer Referral Service is a citywide resource that connects Houstonians with attorneys in their area. Every attorney in the program is carefully screened and averages 17 years of experience. This service provides free referrals and access to bilingual staff or reduced-fee attorneys for income-eligible clients.
Contact
Online Service: 30 min. consultation with an attorney for $20
- Phone Number: (713) 237-9429 or (800) 289-4577
- Office Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
- Saturday – Sunday: Closed
- Office Hours:
State Bar of Texas: Find A Lawyer
The State Bar of Texas Lawyer Referral Service is a statewide resource that connects Texans with attorneys in their area, especially useful for residents in counties without a local referral service. Users can verify an attorney’s license and standing, search by practice area, legal issue, or location, and browse a comprehensive list of legal services offered to find the best match for their case. This service makes it easier to access qualified legal support across Texas.
Contact
Online Service: 30 min. consultation with an attorney for $20
- Phone Number: (800) 252-9690
- Office Hours:
- Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM–4:30 PM
- Saturday – Sunday: Closed
- Office Hours:
Texas Lawyer Referral Service
The Texas Lawyer Referral Service connects residents with trusted Houston-based criminal defense attorneys through a lawyer referral system. This FREE service helps you find qualified attorneys in your area who specialize in criminal defense law and exonerations.
Contact
Online Service: Free consultation by contacting them
- Phone Number: (713) 510-7100
- Office Hours: 24/7
FAQs
Who can submit a case to a Texas innocence clinic?
Each clinic has specific eligibility criteria, but generally, they assist individuals claiming actual innocence for felony convictions, post-conviction, and with new evidence not previously available. Some clinics may also require a minimum remaining sentence. Check each clinic’s submission instructions carefully.
Can national organizations assist with Texas cases?
Yes. Many national organizations, like the Exoneration Project or Centurion, accept cases from multiple states including Texas. However, their processes, requirements, and timelines may differ from Texas-based clinics.
Can someone submit a case on behalf of an inmate?
Most clinics and organizations require the request to come directly from the convicted person. Family or friends generally cannot submit a case.
Are the legal services listed in this directory free?
All the innocence clinics and national organizations provide legal assistance at no cost, including case investigation, research, and litigation support.
The lawyer referral service is free and helps connect you with qualified criminal defense attorneys in your area. You answer questions about your legal needs, and the service matches you with an attorney who is experienced in your type of case. While the referral itself is free, hiring the lawyer and any ongoing legal services is at your own cost. Many attorneys offer a free or low-cost initial consultation.
Can I contact multiple organizations at once?
Yes, but it’s best to carefully follow each organization’s submission rules. However, for the Innocence Clinics in Texas, you can send the Texas Prisoner Innocence Questionnaire to more than one clinic, but that may not be helpful because only one clinic at a time will work on your case. The clinics share a database and will know you have sent it to one of them.