Conviction Review Unit [CRU]

The purpose of a Conviction Review Unit [CRU] is to identify, remedy, and prevent wrongful convictions. The CRU conducts an initial screening process to identify plausible claims of innocence on behalf of convicted defendants. For claims that merit review, the CRU then conducts a more detailed investigation of the claim. The CRU generally consists of dedicated attorneys, investigators, and support staff. An independent Civilian Review Panel [CRP] composed of non-lawyers from outside of the respective prosecutor's office collaborates with the CRU to provide additional analysis and evaluation of cases. If following the review and investigation, the CRU identifies a wrongful conviction, the prosecutor's office will remedy the conviction, possibly by dismissing the underlying charges and convictions and will take appropriate measures to prevent similar wrongful convictions.