Request Help

The New England Innocence Project (NEIP) works to correct and prevent wrongful convictions throughout New England. NEIP reviews claims of innocence from people found guilty of crimes they did not commit in any of the six New England states. These states are: Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.

Should You or Your Loved One Apply to NEIP?

NEIP can only screen and accept cases that meet ALL of the following criteria:

  1. You (or your loved one) were convicted of a crime(s) by plea or after trial.  

  2. If the case went to trial, the direct appeal has been denied.*

  3. You (or your loved one) were convicted in any of the six New England states (ME, NH, VT, RI, MA, CT)

  4. You assert that you are actually innocent of the crime(s) of which you were convicted, meaning you did not commit the crime(s) and did not participate in the crime(s).

  5. You (or a loved one) are not currently represented by an attorney.*

* Under very exceptional circumstances, we will consider a case where the direct appeal has not yet been decided and where the applicant is represented by an attorney.

We cannot consider or accept civil cases.

You (or your loved one) do not need to be incarcerated to receive our assistance. However, we do prioritize applications from people who are incarcerated. There are many consequences of a conviction and those are often considered in our evaluation.

If you (or your loved one) do not meet the above criteria, we understand you may still be in need of help. We will do our best to refer you or provide additional resources.

How to Request Help

If you believe you meet all of the criteria, please send a letter, e-mail,
or call us requesting assistance at: 

Intake Team
New England Innocence Project
1035 Cambridge St., Suite 28A
Cambridge, MA 02141
E-mail: intake@newenglandinnocence.org
Phone: 617-945-0762

WE CANNOT ACCEPT REQUESTS FOR HELP VIA FACEBOOK
OR OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA

Stages of Review

NEIP receives hundreds of requests for assistance each year.  Cases that meet our initial criteria then go through an extensive screening and review process. 

Our Intake Coordinator will confirm when we receive your initial request for assistance and we will let you know whether or not your case has moved on to the next stage. The intake process includes a detailed review of multiple questionnaires and the collection and review of case materials. This determines our attorneys’ ability to represent your case.

Our case review can be a very lengthy process. Due to the size of our staff, our resources, and our desire to give every application its due attention, we cannot rush through the process.  We care about all of our applicants and appreciate your patience while we screen your case. 

PRIVACY NOTICE: Once we receive an initial request for assistance and begin the review process for a case, we will treat all future communications and information provided to us as subject to attorney-client privilege and, as such, are only able to provide updates to the applicant directly.  We cannot provide updates to family members or the general public. 

Contact Us

For additional inquiries or questions regarding getting help, contact our office at:

617-945-0762
intake@newenglandinnocence.org
1035 Cambridge St., Suite 28A
Cambridge, MA 02141