Under the Fifth Amendment, you are not required to provide testimony against yourself [5].

This blog post is designed for an organization or advocate like those associated with the Innocence Project to help educate the public on the realities of wrongful convictions and the legal protections available.

The presumption of innocence isn't just a saying; it’s a set of protections under Constitutional Due Process [5]:

If a wrongful conviction has already occurred, there are resources available:

It is a tragic reality that innocent people sometimes plead guilty [26]. Fierce prosecution or the threat of a much harsher sentence after a trial can lead people to accept plea deals [3]. A criminal defense lawyer can help you understand the full consequences of a plea versus a verdict so you aren't pressured into a life-altering mistake [3].

If you or a loved one needs help, visit the Innocence Project’s Request Representation page to learn more about the criteria for case reviews.