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.
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.
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 name
Innocence Project New Orleans
other names
Formerly Innocence Project New Orleans
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