National & Texas Organizations Supporting Exonerees

The Innocence Project of Texas works to exonerate innocent people who have been wrongly convicted, and to reform the criminal justice system to prevent wrongful convictions. They provide legal representation through a team of lawyers and investigators who investigate cases of actual innocence, primarily in Texas. Post-exoneration, they help connect people with resources and support services.

After Innocence provides holistic re-entry services to exonerees across the United States, focusing on the unique trauma and challenges of rebuilding a life after wrongful conviction. They offer direct support in housing, employment, mental health, and community reintegration. Their approach recognizes that exonerees face distinct barriers compared to other returning citizens.

The Innocence Project, based in New York, is the largest and most well-known organization working to exonerate wrongfully convicted individuals using DNA evidence. They have helped exonerate over 400 people in the United States. Beyond exoneration, they work on policy reform to prevent wrongful convictions and connect exonerees with post-release support. They maintain a network of legal and support resources across the country.

Founded by exoneree Johnnie Lindsey, Miles of Freedom operates as an exoneree-led nonprofit providing direct re-entry assistance to exonerees and returning citizens in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Because it was founded by someone who experienced wrongful conviction, the organization deeply understands the unique barriers exonerees face. They provide mentoring, employment connections, housing assistance, and community support based on lived experience.

The Organization of Exonerees is a peer-led national organization run by and for exonerees. They work to change the system from the inside through advocacy, awareness, and support. By centering the voices of people who have actually experienced wrongful conviction, they bring credibility and lived expertise to policy discussions. They support one another while fighting for broader criminal justice reform.

Healing Justice is dedicated to preventing and alleviating the harms caused by wrongful conviction through healing retreats, peer support, and direct services. They recognize that wrongful conviction creates trauma not just for the exoneree, but also for their family members who suffered alongside them. Their retreat programs bring exonerees together in safe spaces to process trauma, reconnect, and begin healing. They also provide ongoing counseling and support services.