Conviction Review Unit FAQs


Who may file a claim?

The person convicted of the crime, his/her attorney, a family member or an innocence project working on behalf of the convicted person.

What types of claims will be reviewed?

Only claims pertaining to serious or violent felonies where the convicted person remains in custody will be reviewed. Additionally, the claimant must show that he/she has new evidence pointing to innocence that was unknown at the time of trial or plea. Additional criteria may be found in the Conviction Review Unit request form that all claimants must complete.

May juveniles who were prosecuted as adults have their convictions reviewed?

Yes. Claims by people who were juveniles at the time of the crime but were prosecuted as adults may be reviewed if they meet other qualifying criteria.

May a conviction based on a guilty or no contest plea be reviewed?

Yes. Convictions based upon a guilty or no contest plea may be reviewed if they meet other qualifying criteria.

May claimants have other post-conviction proceedings pending?

Claimants must have exhausted their state appeals and cannot have a pending state habeas proceeding. However, if the claimants have federal habeas petitions pending, they may be eligible to submit a claim.

Who will investigate the claim?

The Conviction Review Unit has its own team of attorneys and investigators who are assigned to investigate the claims received.

How long do investigations take?

Investigations vary in length depending on the nature and complexity of the case and could take up to a few months to complete.    

Does filing a claim cost money?

No. There is no cost to file a claim.

How do I contact the Conviction Review Unit?

Claimants may send questions and completed questionnaires to They also may call the Conviction Review Unit at (213) 893-0487. Questions regarding the conviction review process will be answered promptly.