By Ryan Hogan, CEO, Pace Johnson Law Group
How a Conviction Integrity Unit Can Be the Key to Your Exoneration
If you or someone you care about has been wrongfully convicted, navigating the criminal justice system to secure a second chance can feel overwhelming. Traditional appeal routes often prove daunting and time-consuming. However, modern prosecutorial offices in various states—including Salt Lake County—are establishing specialized programs called Conviction Integrity Units (CIUs), sometimes referred to as Conviction Review Units (CRUs). These units offer a potentially more direct path to investigate and correct potential wrongful convictions.
At Pace Johnson Law Group, we are dedicated to helping people fight against unjust outcomes. Below, we break down why a CIU can be a crucial lifeline, how the process works, and why having an experienced legal team by your side can significantly increase your chance of success.
What Is a Conviction Integrity Unit?
A Conviction Integrity Unit is a specialized division within a prosecutor’s office devoted to re-examining past convictions for evidence of innocence or grave legal errors. Unlike the standard appeals process—often constrained by rigid procedural rules—CIUs or CRUs focus on discovering new evidence or significant proof of wrongdoing in order to rectify convictions that were obtained unjustly.
According to the Salt Lake County District Attorney’s Conviction Review Unit Policy and Procedure, the CRU’s mandate is to examine post-conviction claims through fresh eyes. They scrutinize old case files, evaluate new scientific developments, and even investigate allegations of misconduct, all with one overarching goal: correcting any genuine miscarriage of justice.
The CIU Process Explained
Application or PetitionThe first step usually involves submitting an application to the CIU or CRU. This application should detail every aspect of the case: from trial proceedings to any newly discovered evidence supporting a claim of innocence.
Preliminary ReviewThe CIU or CRU conducts an initial screening to see if the claim warrants deeper investigation. They look for:
Credible claims of actual innocence
New evidence unavailable at the time of trial
Substantial indicators of misconduct, error, or procedural failures
In-depth InvestigationIf the case passes the preliminary phase, the CIU launches a full-blown investigation, which may include:
Interviewing old or newly identified witnesses
Re-testing or re-evaluating forensic or DNA evidence
Reviewing trial transcripts and police reports
Leveraging advanced scientific or technical expertise
RecommendationOnce the investigation concludes, the unit will recommend whether to:
Deny the claim
Support further legal proceedings to overturn the conviction
Seek a hearing in court to determine if the conviction should be vacated
Judicial Process If the prosecutor’s office, guided by the CIU findings, recommends that the conviction be set aside, they will file the necessary motions. Ultimately, the court decides whether to reverse the conviction, grant a new trial, or take other corrective action.
Why a CIU May Be Your Best Route to Exoneration
Justice Over Procedure Standard appeals are riddled with technicalities and filing deadlines that can derail even a meritorious claim. In contrast, the CIU framework prioritizes uncovering and rectifying errors, regardless of procedural time bars.
Resources for Investigation Because the CIU or CRU is housed within the prosecutor’s office, investigators can access critical evidence and use the latest forensic tools—resources that might otherwise be out of reach.
Non-Adversarial Setting CIUs are typically mission-driven to maintain the integrity of convictions. They are less adversarial, promoting a collaborative approach in seeking the truth.
Faster Resolutions Traditional appeals can take years, but CIUs often operate on a more efficient timeline, especially when there is substantial new evidence pointing to a wrongful conviction.
How Pace Johnson Law Group Can Help
Although CIUs are designed to find and correct unjust convictions, they still require applicants to meet very strict criteria. Your best chance for success lies in having a dedicated and knowledgeable legal team to guide you through the process. Here’s why Pace Johnson Law Group can make all the difference:
Thorough Case Assessments We conduct exhaustive reviews of your case, digging into every detail to identify and present the most compelling evidence that supports your innocence.
Strategic Application Preparation Filing with a CIU demands compliance with specific forms and standards. Our attorneys ensure that every procedural requirement is met so that strong claims aren’t lost to technicalities.
Liaising with the Prosecutor’s Office Our experienced legal team communicates directly with the CIU, supplying additional witness information, forensic analysis, or expert testimony as needed. This relationship-building can be critical to a successful outcome.
Vigorous Advocacy Throughout the investigation, we relentlessly advocate for your rights and interests, ensuring that no piece of evidence or testimony is overlooked. Our aim is to demonstrate—beyond any doubt—that a wrongful conviction has occurred.
Taking the Next Step Toward Justice
Evaluate Eligibility Does your conviction involve a credible claim of actual innocence or newly discovered evidence? If so, you might be eligible for CIU review.
Act Quickly Time is of the essence. Witness memories fade, evidence can degrade, and leads may go cold. The sooner you consult an attorney, the better your chances of a comprehensive and convincing application.
Secure Specialized Legal Support Partner with a firm that knows both the appellate process and CIU proceedings inside and out. Pace Johnson Law Group has extensive experience handling post-conviction litigation, giving us the insight and relationships necessary to drive your case forward.
Conclusion: Regain Control of Your Future
A wrongful conviction can shatter lives, but hope is not lost. Conviction Integrity Units offer a direct and often more flexible avenue to correct miscarriages of justice. Backed by strong legal advocacy, you can present the most compelling version of your case to those who have the power to right the wrong.
Don’t allow procedural barriers to stand between you and your freedom. At Pace Johnson Law Group, we are committed to tirelessly pursuing your best outcome. Contact us today to schedule a confidential consultation. Let’s discuss how we can collaborate to build the strongest CIU application possible—and work toward clearing your name once and for all.
Schedule a FREE consultation today because your future matters, and we’re here to fight for it.