The New Jersey Innocence Project at Rutgers University (NJIP) advocates for the exoneration, release, and restoration of innocent people incarcerated in New Jersey. If you or someone you know has been wrongly convicted in New Jersey, learn more about our program and how we can help.
While we want to assist everyone seeking help, our limited staff and a high volume of requests allow us to accept only a few cases. Before we accept someone for representation, we have developed a three-stage process.
Anyone applying for our help must:
*be incarcerated.
*have a conviction that occurred in New Jersey.
*have completed their trial and direct appeal.
*be factually innocent; meaning not involved in crime(s) for which they were convicted.
We do not take any of the following types of cases:
*Requests for general legal advice or assistance.
*Clemency or pardon requests.
*Sentencing issues.
*Pretrial, meaning before a plea or trial.
*Cases outside New Jersey.
*Requests from people who are not incarcerated.
*Sexual assault cases where the defense is consent.
*Assault or homicide convictions where the defense is self-defense.
*Convictions where the defense is intoxication or insanity.
If you believe you meet the criteria listed and would like us to review your case, send a letter or print and complete the Intake Form and mail to:
The New Jersey Innocence Project
Rutgers University Law School
217 North 5th Street, Camden, NJ 08102
Due to the high volume of requests and to protect our prospective clients’ confidentiality, we cannot accept intake requests via phone or email.
Armond McCloud was forced to falsely confess to the murder of 22-year-old Kei Sunada. His conviction was vacated at the joint request of his legal team, including Laura Cohen, Director of the New Jersey Innocence Project at Rutgers University, and the Queens County District Attorney’s Office.
“It feels great to have my innocence finally recognized after 29 years.”
Our three-stage intake process can take several years. Here is a brief overview of our thorough process.
Time Frame: 1 to 3 Months
NJIP receives a request and sends Intake Form Part 1
NJIP reviews completed Intake Form Part 1
If eligible, we will send Intake Form Part 2
Time Frame: 6 Months to 2 Years
NJIP reviews Intake Form Part 2, and other legal materials for the possibility of innocence.
After review, we either (1) move the case to Stage 3; (2) decline the case; or (3) ask for more information.
Time Frame: 1 -3 Years
NJIP conducts a rigorous investigation into the person’s innocence claim.
At the end of this stage, NJIP decides whether or not to represent the person.
If you reside outside New Jersey and are looking for representation for your case, please explore this resource designed for those beyond our state borders.
Explore NJIP updates, stay informed, and make a difference.
