MONTEREY COUNTY — Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced July 26 that she formed a new unit specializing in identifying and remedying wrongful convictions.
The Conviction Review Unit (CRU) will examine all plausible claims of innocence and of conviction due to false material evidence. For claims that merit review, the CRU will conduct a detailed investigation.
According to the District Attorney’s Office, if the investigation indicates that a wrongful conviction has taken place, the Office will “make every effort within its power to achieve justice.”
“The most important duty of a prosecutor is not to obtain convictions, rather it is to pursue truth and justice,” Pacioni said. “That duty extends beyond the date of conviction, and it will be the mission of the CRU to ensure justice for those who claim to have been wrongfully convicted.”
The CRU will formalize and standardize the practice of reviewing and investigating innocence claims. The unit will rely on applicants who bring cases to the unit’s attention.
Directions and claim forms are posted on the District Attorney’s website and will also be provided per request by emailing [email protected].
