Georgia Innocence Project

This year, GIP played a key role in the exoneration and freedom of three innocent men who lost a combined 70 years to wrongful conviction and incarceration. Each case involved official misconduct, and in two cases post-conviction DNA testing identified the likely actual perpetrator. We also won a habeas corpus petition in another high profile GIP case. GIP represents 17 additional clients and responded to 315 requests for help during the year. GIP also provided direct support to 13 Georgia-based individuals who were freed and/or exonerated from wrongful conviction. Those services included assistance in employment, transportation, life skills, healthcare, technology, and engagement opportunities. GIP hosted 9 "Freedom Gatherings" for exonerees living in Georgia. GIP and partners helped secure compensation for exonerees and helped create standards for law enforcement to diligently investigate post-conviction evidence of innocence. We advanced our federal DOJ grants to screen cases and work collaboratively with prosecutors to investigate post-conviction innocence cases. We raised awareness through speaking engagements and podcasts, created a traveling exhibition, and educated over 3,000 students about wrongful conviction.