About Mid-atlantic innocence project
The Mid-Atlantic Innocence Project (MAIP) is a non-profit organization that is committed to correcting and preventing wrongful convictions in the states of DC, Maryland, and Virginia. The organization was founded in 2000 by a group of lawyers who were concerned about the number of innocent people who were being convicted and sentenced to prison for crimes they did not commit.
MAIP's mission is to provide legal assistance to individuals who have been wrongfully convicted and help them prove their innocence. The organization also works towards reforming the criminal justice system by advocating for changes in laws, policies, and practices that contribute to wrongful convictions.
One of MAIP's primary goals is to exonerate innocent individuals who have been wrongfully convicted. To achieve this goal, the organization provides free legal services to clients who have credible claims of innocence. MAIP's team of experienced attorneys investigates each case thoroughly, looking for evidence that may have been overlooked or suppressed during the original trial.
In addition to providing legal assistance, MAIP also works towards preventing wrongful convictions from happening in the first place. The organization conducts research on issues related to wrongful convictions and advocates for reforms that can reduce the likelihood of innocent people being convicted.
MAIP has had many successes over the years. Since its inception, the organization has helped exonerate more than 30 individuals who were wrongfully convicted. These exonerees spent a combined total of over 500 years behind bars before their innocence was finally proven.
One notable success story involves Kirk Bloodsworth, who was wrongfully convicted of rape and murder in Maryland in 1985. Bloodsworth spent nine years on death row before DNA evidence proved his innocence in 1993. He became the first person in America to be exonerated through DNA testing after being sentenced to death.
MAIP relies on donations from individuals and organizations to fund its operations. The organization also partners with law firms and other groups that provide pro bono services or financial support.
In conclusion, The Mid-Atlantic Innocence Project (MAIP) plays an important role in correcting injustices within our criminal justice system by working tirelessly towards freeing those wrongly accused or imprisoned due largely because they lacked adequate representation at trial or because there was insufficient evidence presented against them during their trials which led juries astray into convicting them despite lackluster proof beyond reasonable doubt standards required under law; while simultaneously advocating for reforms aimed at reducing future occurrences thereof so as not only protect individual rights but also ensure public safety through fair administration thereof without prejudice nor bias whatsoever!