Exonerees, attorneys and community activists will come together Saturday in Milwaukee to discuss the causes of wrongful conviction and proposed reforms in the state to prevent future injustice. Panelists will include Chris Ochoa, who served nearly 12 years in Texas prison before DNA tests proved his innocence. Ochoa, who was represented on appeal by the Wisconsin Innocence Project, now lives in Madison and works as an attorney.
Wisconsin Innocence Project Co-Director John Pray said Wisconsin has made progress on addressing the causes of wrongful convictions, but still has work to do.
“The same kinds of problems that go into wrongful convictions in other states certainly exist in Wisconsin,” he said. “We’re ahead of the boat on some things but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen and won’t happen.”
Saturday’s event is free and open to the public.
Read the full story here and get details on attending the event. (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 07/24/08)
Watch a video interview with Chris Ochoa here.
The Milwaukee event on Saturday comes on the heels of successful community events addressing wrongful convictions around the country.
In May, the Texas Senate held a major Summit on Wrongful Convictions and another panel addressed the problem in the Dallas area last week. Earlier this month, a New York State Senate task force addressed reforms to prevent wrongful convictions.
Organize an event in your area to raise awareness about wrongful convictions. Get started here.
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