Great North Innocence Project

OUR VISION:

At the Great North Innocence Project (GNIP) we envision a just society where the innocent are free, wrongful convictions have been eliminated, and the criminal legal system embodies fairness, accountability, and dignity, earning public trust

ABOUT US:

GNIP is an independent nonprofit organization providing free legal and advocacy services. We are a member of the Innocence Network but do not receive funding from the Innocence Network or any of its members, including the Innocence Project (New York).

GNIP's work is rooted in four key areas:

Investigation & Litigation: We rigorously screen applications, conduct in-depth investigations, and provide high-quality pro bono legal representation for wrongfully convicted, innocent people.

Client Support: We help our freed clients successfully reenter their communities by connecting them with essential resources such as housing, employment, healthcare, and community support.

Policy Advocacy: We advocate for policies and legislative reforms that prevent and remedy wrongful convictions, addressing systemic failures, and creating a more just criminal legal system for all.

Outreach & Education: We engage legal professionals and the broader community in outreach and training to increase awareness of the causes and consequences of wrongful convictions.

Where We Work:

GNIP primarily serves individuals and communities across Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

Who We Serve:

GNIP represents innocent people who have been wrongfully convicted of crimes they did not commit, and works on behalf of their families and the communities who have been impacted by these injustices.

Our Partners:

GNIP partners with four law schools in our Great North region, where students in our legal clinics assist with casework, gaining hands-on experience while supporting our mission. We also work with law firms that provide critical pro bono legal support, helping us investigate and litigate cases on behalf of the wrongfully convicted. Other community and government organizations, individual skill-based volunteers, and advisors get involved in our work when relevant.