Innocence Project New Orleans

A nonprofit organization

Innocence Project New Orleans (IPNO) frees innocent people sentenced to life in prison and those serving unjust sentences. We recognize the root causes of wrongful convictions and unjust sentences as systemic racism and inequities. We work to expose and address these root causes by sharing our clients' stories in court, the legislature, the community and the media. We support our clients living well and fully in the world after their release.

Since its inception in 2001, IPNO has freed or exonerated 47 innocent people and 28 unjustly sentenced people. IPNO takes the hardest cases that others are not equipped to. We work to build an equitable, unbiased, and just criminal legal system where everyone is treated with dignity and humanity.

Testimonials

Our most recently freed client, Raymond Austin, was freed in February after serving 16 years of a life sentence for burglary. In 2016, he was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. Yet, he insisted on continuing his work as a nurse's aide on the geriatric and hospice unit of the healthcare ward, even as he became a patient. Mr. Austin was represented by IPNO's Unjust Punishment Project at his parole hearing. In light of his perfect conduct record, his family support, and his illness, a unanimous board granted him release. He was reunited with his sisters, nieces, nephews, daughter, and grandchildren. Mr. Austin is the 28th person released through IPNO's Unjust Punishment Project.

Mission

Innocence & Justice Louisiana (formerly Innocence Project New Orleans) frees innocent people sentenced to life in prison and those serving unjust sentences. We recognize the root causes of wrongful convictions and unjust sentences as systemic racism and inequities. We work to expose and address these root causes by sharing our clients’ stories in court, the legislature, the community and the media. We support our clients living well and fully in the world after their release.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Innocence Project New Orleans

other names

Formerly Innocence Project New Orleans

Tax id (EIN)

72-1501261

Guidestar

Parish

Caddo

Parishes Served

Red River, Rapides, Madison, Richland, Webster, Union, Sabine, Ouachita, Natchitoches, Morehouse, Lincoln, Jackson, DeSoto, Claiborne, Caddo, Bossier, Bienville

Operating Budget

$1M-$3M

Sector

Crime Reduction/ Public Safety, Human Services, Racial Equity

Address

P.O. Box 792808
New Orleans, LA 70179

Phone

504-943-1902

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