Since its inception in 2001, IPNO has freed or exonerated 43 innocent people and 16 people who were unjustly sentenced.

IPNO frees innocent people sentenced to life in prison and those serving unjust sentences. We recognize the root causes of wrongful convictions and unjust sentences as systemic racism and inequities. We work to expose and address these root causes by sharing our clients’ stories in court, the legislature, the community and the media. We support our clients living well and fully in the world after their release.

Photos courtesy of Olivia Grey Pritchard

DID YOU KNOW

Mistaken identifications are a leading factor in wrongful convictions.

0
%

of the 551 DNA exonerations in the United States involved mistaken eyewitness
identifications.

0
out of 22

Louisiana DNA exonerations involved mistaken eyewitness identifications.  Two of these men were sentenced to death.

In
0

non-DNA Louisiana exonerations, innocent men were sentenced to life in prison
due to mistaken eyewitness identifications.

Thirteen minutes of deliberations by a jury. Guilty as charged, based solely on the unsubstantiated and uncorroborated testimony of one witness who didn’t see the actual shooting. Me and my codefendant had our freedom taken away on that. We were sentenced to spend the balance of our natural lives at hard labor in custody of the Louisiana State Penitentiary at Angola, without benefit of parole, probation, or suspension of sentence. There was a lot of hand-shaking going on among the prosecutors. My mom was in tears.

–Gregory Bright
Exonerated: June 24, 2003  in Louisiana

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Latest IPNO News

IPNO News

New Orleans man who served 36 years for rape he didn’t commit released from prison | Nola.com

New Orleans man who served 36 years for rape he didn't commit released from prison Sullivan Walter, 53, says he is ready "to live an honest, free life” Convicted at age 17 of a rape he didn't commit, Sullivan Walter,…
IPNO News

He spent 36 years behind bars for a crime he didn’t commit | WWLTV

He spent 36 years behind bars for a crime he didn't commit Sullivan Walter was released from prison after being wrongly convicted for a crime in New Orleans. Author: Eleanor Tabone Published: 9:45 PM CDT August 26, 2022 Updated: 10:07 PM CDT…
IPNO News

25 Years after wrongful conviction, a man is freed from Angola | WWLTV

25 years after wrongful conviction, a man is free from Angola Cedric Dent spent 25 years in Angola for a crime he didn't commit. Author: Eleanor Tabone Published: 10:11 PM CDT August 9, 2022 Updated: 10:11 PM CDT August 9, 2022 NEW…
IPNO News

Justice Jam fundraiser to feature live music, experiences from people wrongfully convicted | Lafayette Daily Advertiser

Lafayette Daily Advertiser Justice Jam fundraiser to feature live music, experiences from people wrongfully convicted by Ashley White Live music, an auction and an opportunity to learn from two wrongfully convicted people will all be happening at the Justice Jam.…

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Innocence Project New Orleans represents innocent people and people unjustly sentenced to life in prison at no cost to them or their loved ones. We could not do this without you.