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Monterey County District Attorney’s Office Forms New Unit to Identify and Rectify Wrongful Convictions

SALINAS, California- Monterey County District Attorney Jeannine M. Pacioni announced on Monday, July 26 that she formed a new unit specializing in identifying and remedying wrongful convictions. The Conviction Review Unit (CRU) will examine all plausible claims of innocence and of conviction due to false material evidence. For claims that merit review, the CRU will conduct a detailed investigation. If the investigation indicates that a wrongful conviction has taken place, the District Attorney’s Office will make every effort within its power to achieve justice. District Attorney Pacioni commented that “The most important duty of a prosecutor is not to obtain convictions, rather it is to pursue truth and justice. That duty extends beyond the date of conviction, and it will be the mission of the CRU to ensure justice for those who claim to have been wrongfully convicted.” Although undoing a wrongful conviction has always been a prosecutor’s duty, in the past, other than the appellate process no local resources were devoted exclusively to this goal. The CRU will formalize and standardize the practice of reviewing and investigating innocence claims. The unit will rely on applicants who bring cases to the unit’s attention. Directions and claim forms are posted on the District Attorney’s website and will also be provided by request by emailing CRU@monterey.ca.us.

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