Ohio Innocence Project

se in Ohio prisons who are actually innocent of the crimes they were convicted of committing. Innocence is often determined by DNA testing, but can include other types of new evidence such as new witnesses, new expert testimony, or evidence of police misconduct. Once an individual's innocence has been established through investigation, the OIP sends the case back to court and litigates in the hope of obtaining the client's freedom. Innocence Projects across the country have freed more than 2,500 wrongfully convicted individuals to date. The Ohio Innocence Project to date has helped 34 individuals obtain their long-sought freedom. In terms of legislative reform, the Rosenthal Institute for Justice has proposed several bills that were passed into law. Recently the RIJ worked successfully for passage in Ohio of a custodial interrogation bill, which requires all law enforcement agencies across the state to record suspect interviews related to investigations of serious crimes. Other legislative issues that RIJ has successfully helped advocate on that have produced new reforms in Ohio include improving access to post-conviction DNA testing, improving the process for eyewitness identifications, requiring the preservation of DNA in serious crimes, and an expansion of the existing DNA access bill. An individual requesting the assistance of the OIP should complete the Screening Questionnaire (pdf). Those seeking consideration must FULLY COMPLETE the form and submit it to the address on the form, otherwise it will be returned and no further action will be taken until returned complete. Print out a hard copy of the questionnaire, fill out in ink, and return it by mail if you would like the OIP to review your case.