OUR STORY

It is incredible how one small idea can grow into something truly special. In 2020, a few students gathered under one mentor to help overturn wrongful convictions. After extensively working on multiple cases, we were moved by the lack of justice these people were getting. We quickly realized that other students would want to help these innocent prisoners, so we started Youth for Innocence, a youth-led and youth-driven group dedicated to overturning wrongful convictions.

Youth for Innocence is rooted in the belief that the new generation can accomplish great things.

Through our education initiative, we attempt to teach our youth and the wider world on wrongful convictions and the path to exoneration. We host seminars featuring prominent people involved in this uphill battle for justice. We use both social media and our blog to break down wrongful convictions and discuss new areas of research within the field. 

Through our volunteering, we give students first-hand experience with criminal law, aid lawyers in investigating the thousands of letters they receive from prisoners claiming innocence, and take the first step for prisoners to achieve their exoneration. In our initial training program, we teach student volunteers to evaluate cases, examine new evidence, and assist pro bono attorneys with RT notes and summaries of cases. These student volunteers employ these skills to intake, summarize, and investigate cases of potential wrongful convictions.

​

2024 has been a breakthrough year for Youth for Innocence. In the span of 12 months, we've grown from a few volunteers to a team of over 100 volunteers spanning across the globe, including countries such as Brazil, China, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates, and many more. We've handed off our first cases to attorneys, who are now preparing them for exoneration. Additionally, we officially became a nonprofit, gaining 501(c)3 tax-exempt status, which we've used to raise thousands of dollars to fund our mission. 
In 2025, we have continued our rapid expansion. With currently almost 200 volunteers around the globe, and a dozen chapters starting up across the U.S., Youth for Innocence continues to empower more people to help overturn wrongful convictions with better tools and training. 

​

If you want to learn more about how you can start your journey at Youth for Innocence, click here.

​

Disclaimer: we are not lawyers and therefore not able to give legal advice.