How do you know you're helping people who are actually innocent?
Each case goes through a lengthy screening process. Once a letter from an inmate claiming actual innocence is received, the Project sends the inmate a questionnaire to complete. The OKIP staff reviews the questionnaire and determines if any additional information is needed. Based on a review of the questionnaire and subsequent information, the staff ascertains if actual innocence can be established in state or federal court. If they believe it can, the case is opened and a full investigation begins.
What is the difference between the Oklahoma Innocence Project and the clinic?
The ‘clinic’ is the class that the students take the semester they are working at the Project. The ‘project’ refers to the scope of activity that takes place outside of the class, including investigation, litigation and other work.
How many cases come into the Project each month?
Each month, the Project receives between 25 and 30 requests for cases to be reviewed.
How do you decide who to represent?
Each case goes through a lengthy screening process. Once a letter from an inmate claiming actual innocence is received, the Project sends the inmate a questionnaire to complete. The OKIP staff reviews the questionnaire and determines if any additional information is needed. Based on a review of the questionnaire and subsequent information, the staff ascertains if actual innocence can be established in state or federal court. If they believe it can, the case is opened and a full investigation begins.
Does OKIP only take DNA cases?
No, the Oklahoma Innocence Project will take any case where there is credible evidence of actual innocence.
Why doesn’t the Oklahoma Innocence Project take death penalty cases?
OKIP does not take death penalty cases because Oklahoma has several agencies, both state and federal, that handle capital cases from trial through habeas corpus. Additionally, the stringent statute of limitations on these cases makes it extremely difficult for the Project to pursue them.
Who can request that a case be opened by the Project?
The Project must receive a request directly from the inmate. No 3rd party letters are accepted. If an inmate is represented, OKIP will take referrals from the attorney on behalf of a client.
Who can the Project speak with regarding an open case?
The Oklahoma Innocence Project will not discuss a case with anyone other than the inmate without the express permission of the inmate.
How long does it take to get an exoneration for someone wrongfully convicted?
Based on the experience of other projects across the country, on average it takes six years from the time the Project receives a letter to the time an inmate is exonerated.
What are the largest hurdles to an exoneration?
Often the largest hurdle is obtaining the records.
How do OCU LAW students benefit from their work at the Project?
The biggest way OCU LAW students benefit is because of the hands-on experience they receive while working in the clinic. They learn important skills by doing them such as how to litigate, how to develop a case factually, how to do complex civil litigation, how to work with experts, how to evaluate evidence and the list goes on.
How many students are currently involved in the Project?
Right now there are 9 students in the clinic. However, there are two additional students from the first semester who wanted to continue working with the Project. They serve as team leaders for the current students.
How many are on staff at OKIP?
We currently have two full-time staff – the OKIP Director, Vicki Zemp Behenna and a legal assistant, Joyce Mayer. An OCU LAW student who graduated in 2011 and was one of the first students to work at the Project is currently working part-time as the Project Fellow.
How is the Project funded?
The Project is funded solely from private donations and grants. No tuition dollars are used to operate OKIP.
How can I help?
There are two ways you can help the Oklahoma Innocence Project. If you are interested in volunteering, please send an email to hope@okinnocence.com. If you want to help support the work of the project financially, please visit donate.law.okcu.edu and designate your gift to the Oklahoma Innocence Project.