Fighting Wrongful Convictions with Digital Evidence
The Digital Innocence Initiative is a first-of-its-kind, not-for-profit organization dedicated to preventing and overturning wrongful convictions using digital evidence. We provide technical knowledge, guidance, and resources on digital evidence to public defenders and individuals pursuing post-conviction claims of actual innocence.
A strong defense doesn’t happen by accident—it requires a combination of knowledge, resources, and initiative. Our free resources are designed to make a positive impact by offering practical, common-sense solutions that can strengthen public defense efforts today.
Our Mission
To expand the use of digital evidence in preventing wrongful convictions by building a nationwide coalition of defense-oriented organizations. Central to this effort is the establishment of Digital Evidence Review Units (DERUs), ensuring that public defenders have the training, resources, and solutions needed to leverage digital evidence effectively. We aim to set a national minimum standard for digital evidence training, strengthening public defense and promoting a fairer, more equitable criminal justice system.
Digital Innocence Partnership
Our initiative tackles the root causes of wrongful convictions by strengthening public defense at the system level, equipping defenders with the tools, training, and resources needed to provide effective representation.
- We partner with public defenders to establish Digital Evidence Review Units (DERUs), ensuring they have the technical knowledge and resources to prevent wrongful conviction from happening in the first place
- We created the first consolidated online Digital Evidence Toolbox specifically for public defenders, providing best practices and industry standards to promote a nationwide minimum standard to ensure effective representation.
- We raise awareness of the unacceptable number of wrongful convictions caused by digital evidence and advocate for post-conviction review in all cases where digital evidence was a deciding factor.
- We developed the first criteria for post-conviction review of digital evidence cases, creating a pathway to uncover new digital evidence that could prove actual innocence.
- We research new digital forensic tools, advanced technologies, AI, and investigative methods to uncover fresh evidence in old cases—sharing our findings with public defenders and the broader defense community through our collaborative online knowledge center.
Join us in expanding access to DERUs and digital evidence resources—partner with us to strengthen public defense and fight for justice.
See our website at www.DigitalInnocence.com