The Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul is launching a new program to help set free those who are wrongly convicted.
On Tuesday, state's attorneys from across Illinois joined Raoul in announcing a 'Conviction Integrity Unit'.
The program aims at investigating cases to determine if new, credible evidence would prove the innocence of those serving time for felonies they didn't commit.
Raoul says wrongful convictions destroy lives.
"I look forward to the work of this unit. That this unit will do in collaboration with state's attorneys to ensure the integrity of convictions, to restore faith in our justice system, and to provide relief when warranted." Raoul said.
The Conviction Integerity Unit is funded by a 1.4 million dollar grant from the U.S Justice Department.
The unit will only handle felony convictions from state courts, in which newly discovered evidence supports a claim of innocence, according to Raoul's office.
In order for the CIU to review a case, an applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Having been convicted by an Illinois state court and currently incarcerated for the conviction for which he or she asserts a claim of actual innocence. "Actual Innocence" means the applicant claims to have had no criminal responsibility in the offense for which they were convicted and can provide new, credible evidence to substantiate their claim.
- Having been convicted of a forcible felony, which must involve the use or threat of physical force or violence against an individual that results in great bodily harm, such as murder, criminal sexual assault or aggravated battery.
- There must be newly-discovered and credible evidence that supports the claim of actual innocence.
- The case cannot currently be on appeal or with the state's attorney for post-conviction reviews. Otherwise, the CIU will not review the case
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