Illinois Attorney General Creates Conviction Integrity Unit

Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul has announced the launch of a statewide Conviction Integrity Unit designed to investigate and rectify wrongful convictions, particularly in cases involving forcible felonies. The unit will work to identify new, credible evidence that could prove the innocence of individuals currently imprisoned and aims to enhance public trust in the justice system by addressing these miscarriages of justice. It is partially funded by a $1.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Justice and will assist counties that lack resources to independently review convictions. Cook County, which has its own Conviction Review Unit, has overturned over 250 convictions since 2016, demonstrating the potential impact of such initiatives. The unit will collaborate with state’s attorneys to ensure justice is achieved and the true perpetrators are held accountable. Raoul emphasized that wrongful convictions undermine faith in the judicial system and endanger public safety by allowing actual criminals to remain free.