The Innocence Commission reviews cases where an incarcerated person asserts that they were wrongfully convicted.  If the Commission, after evaluating all of the available evidence and conducting any necessary re-investigation, votes by a majority to vacate the conviction, the Commission will prepare a findings of fact and conclusions of law memorandum that will serve as the basis to seek to vacate the conviction.  Although the District Attorney retains the final decision-making power on each case, the District Attorney will afford great weight to the determination of the Commission.

The Innocence Commission consists of a five-member volunteer team of experts:

• Professor Lara Bazelon, Director of University of San Francisco Law School’s Racial Justice Clinic
• Judge LaDoris Cordell (Ret.)
• Dr. George Woods, renowned medical expert*
• Julia Cervantes, San Francisco District Attorney Representative
• Jacque Wilson, San Francisco Deputy Public Defender

The Innocence Commission is assisted by a full-time, grant-funded staff attorney who works under the supervision of the University of San Francisco Law School’s Racial Justice Clinic.

* Dr. George Woods is currently on leave and Dr. Michael Meade is serving as interim commissioner.

Submit an application for consideration by the Innocence Commission:

• English
• Chinese
• Spanish
• Tagalog