Frequently Asked Questions

  • When were we established?

    1. 2018, but we started taking cases in 2020.

  • How many people apply for our pro bono services?

    1. As of August 2024, we have had 150+ applicants since we started accepting cases.

  • Who is eligible for our services?

    1.  In order to be considered, you must be:

      1. Wrongly convicted of a state or federal crime in the State of Delaware

      2. Unable to afford counsel

      3. Finished with your trial and direct appeal 

      4. Innocent of the crimes for which you are convicted. 

      5. New evidence of innocence currently exists or is discoverable.

    2. We cannot accept your case if you played any role in the crime, even a minor one. Additionally, we do not take cases alleging consensual sex, self-defense, or accidental death.

  • How do I apply?

    1. Visit https://www.innocencede.org/submit-a-case to contact us or email us at info@innocencede.org. Each applicant must complete a screening application and mail it back to us.

  • What are the primary factors that lead to wrongful convictions?

    1. There are many factors, some of which include eyewitness misidentification, false confessions, inadequate scientific evidence, ineffective assistance of counsel, etc.

  • How long does a case take from intake to exoneration?

    1. We reinvestigate every case that we take, which may take years before the client is given relief, if a case gets to that stage.

  • Is Innocence Project Delaware a non-profit organization?

    1. Yes, we are an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit.

  • How old are the cases that you look at?

    1. Currently, our oldest case that we are investigating is from 1980.