The Exoneration Initiative

- 233 Broadway #2370, New York, NY 10279

In a city of millions, the criminal justice system can be an overwhelming and often flawed machine. For those who have been unjustly convicted, the fight for freedom is a long and arduous journey, often without the necessary legal and financial resources. The Exoneration Initiative (EXI) is a beacon of hope in this fight, a non-profit organization based in New York City dedicated to a singular and powerful mission: to exonerate the factually innocent. Unlike many innocence projects that focus solely on DNA evidence, EXI specializes in the more challenging and far more common cases where biological evidence is not available. This focus makes them a crucial and unique resource in the New York legal landscape, at the forefront of the actual innocence movement in the state.

The firm's work is driven by a profound commitment to justice and a deep understanding of the systemic flaws that lead to wrongful convictions. They meticulously screen cases for compelling evidence of innocence, using a rigorous, multi-tiered evaluation process to identify those who have been unjustly incarcerated. Their attorneys, including lauded professionals like Glenn Garber and Rebecca, are dedicated to uncovering new evidence and litigating with expertise and tenacity. As a former colleague and reviewer stated, they "saved many a person from wrongful convictions. Set many a person free got them out of jail post-conviction." This testimonial underscores the high regard in which they are held by their peers and their proven ability to achieve life-changing results for their clients.

Beyond their case-specific work, The Exoneration Initiative is also committed to broader criminal justice reform. They engage in impact litigation to advance legal precedents favorable to the wrongfully convicted and work to educate the public, the legal profession, and the judiciary about the causes of wrongful convictions. This dual-pronged approach—providing free legal services to indigent inmates while also advocating for systemic change—makes them a powerful force for good in New York. Their work is a testament to the idea that a legal team can be more than just a firm; it can be an instrument of positive social change.

The Exoneration Initiative is located in a prominent and accessible part of Lower Manhattan at 233 Broadway #2370, New York, NY 10279, USA. Situated in the historic Woolworth Building, their office is in a central hub of the city, making it a convenient location for attorneys, volunteers, and partners. The building is well-served by a vast network of public transportation. Major subway lines, including the A, C, J, Z, R, W, 2, 3, 4, and 5, are all within a short walking distance, connecting the office to all five boroughs and beyond. This excellent accessibility is vital for an organization that works with a diverse range of individuals and other legal professionals. The building and office are equipped with a wheelchair-accessible restroom, ensuring that facilities are available for those who need them. For an organization whose primary clients are incarcerated individuals, their physical location serves as an important base of operations for their dedicated team.

Services Offered

• Free Legal Assistance for the Wrongfully Convicted: Providing pro bono legal and investigative services to individuals with compelling claims of actual innocence, particularly in cases that lack DNA evidence.
• Non-DNA Case Specialization: A focused expertise on non-DNA cases, which make up the majority of wrongful convictions, utilizing a multi-tiered evaluation process to uncover new evidence and litigate for exoneration.
• Post-Conviction Litigation: Representing clients in post-conviction proceedings, including filing motions to vacate judgments and pursuing all legal avenues to secure their release.
• Criminal Justice Advocacy: Conducting impact litigation and engaging in public education to highlight the causes of wrongful convictions and advocate for legal and systemic reforms in the criminal justice system.
• Legal Support for Professionals: The firm provides legal support and resources to other practitioners and organizations whose work is consistent with their mission.

Features / Highlights

• Non-Profit and Pro Bono: As a non-profit organization, The Exoneration Initiative provides all of its legal services for free, making it a critical resource for indigent individuals who have exhausted all other legal options.
• Focused Expertise: The firm's specialization in non-DNA wrongful convictions gives them a unique and essential role in the innocence movement, allowing them to take on some of the most challenging cases.
• Reputable and Esteemed Attorneys: The team includes highly respected attorneys who are recognized within the defense bar for their tireless work and successful track record in freeing the innocent.
• Central and Accessible Location: The office's location in Lower Manhattan provides a strategic and convenient base of operations, well-connected to public transportation.
• Commitment to Systemic Reform: The organization’s mission goes beyond individual cases, aiming to address the root causes of wrongful convictions and improve the justice system as a whole.

Contact Information

Address: 233 Broadway #2370, New York, NY 10279, USA

Phone: (212) 965-9335

What is worth choosing The Exoneration Initiative

For those in need of legal assistance in cases of wrongful conviction, The Exoneration Initiative is a truly exceptional choice. Unlike private law firms, their mission is not to earn a fee but to deliver justice for the most vulnerable and marginalized members of society. This commitment to public service is evident in every aspect of their work. They provide their services completely free of charge, which is a lifeline for individuals who have spent years or even decades in prison, often without the financial means to hire an attorney. This model ensures that their focus remains squarely on the pursuit of truth and justice, free from the constraints of billing and profit motives.

Furthermore, their specialization in non-DNA cases demonstrates a profound understanding of the current state of the criminal justice system. They are not just waiting for the next scientific breakthrough; they are actively working to right past wrongs that were caused by human error, false testimony, and flawed investigations. This proactive and innovative approach makes them an invaluable resource. The praise from a fellow attorney, who described their staff as "terrific attorneys who saved many a person from wrongful convictions," is a powerful endorsement from a professional who understands the immense difficulty of this work. It speaks to the integrity, skill, and impact of the team at EXI. Choosing The Exoneration Initiative means aligning with an organization that is not only highly effective but also deeply moral, compassionate, and committed to making New York's justice system more equitable for all. They represent a rare and essential resource, fighting for the lives and freedom of those who have been failed by the system.

The Exoneration Initiative

233 Broadway #2370, New York, NY 10279, USA