Northwest Ohio Cases
Criminal cases with evidence to challenge the conviction
NWOIC has become involved in re-investigating a number of cases that originated in Lucas County. Some of these clients have been released from prison through pardons or DNA test results. Others were forced to take a ‘dark plea’ rather than spend years behind bars waiting to re-try their cases. But none of them have ever been declared Wrongfully Imprisoned. Such a determination requires a ruling by the prosecutor in a civil action and, so far, any attempts by these individuals to seek such a ruling (which would allow for compensation) have been met with resistance by the state (prosecutor’s office).
By delving into the cases where others have been successful at obtaining evidence supporting a wrongful conviction, interns are learning what to look for in the cases they’ve been assigned.
Another aspect of their training involves story telling, whether it be through a written biography, a power point presentation, a documentary or a podcast. If evidence of innocence or official misconduct is discovered, that story will be told.