The Innocence Project of Texas

Everyone knows that defendants are “presumed innocent” before they are convicted. Prosecutors must overcome this basic presumption beyond a reasonable doubt to secure a conviction. But is the innocence that’s “presumed” the same as “actual innocence” for purposes of applying Texas’ compensation statute for wrongful convictions?
That’s a legal hair the courts are just beginning to […]

On Tuesday, July 5, 2008 Steven Phillips is expected to have his record cleared after being wrongfully convicted of a series of sexual assaults that were committed in Dallas County back in the early 1980’s.  Phillips, who is represented by Innocence Project attorney Jason Kreag, benefited from DNA testing conducted in 2007.  The results of […]

Yesterday, Thomas McGowan became the 15th man officially exonerated by DNA testing in Dallas County when the Court of Criminal Appeals granted his writ of habeas corpus. McGowan, who was released from incarceration in April of this year, served 23 years in prison for a sexual assault that he did not commit. He […]