OFFICE OF THE STATE ATTORNEY FOR THE 13TH JUDICIAL CIRCUIT CONVICTION REVIEW UNIT
Wrongful convictions are contrary to the very fiber of our criminal justice system–punishing the innocent and undermining the integrity of our system, while threatening public safety by allowing the actual perpetrators to go free. For this reason, the State Attorney’s Office has created a Conviction Review Unit with the goal of eliminating wrongful convictions in our community.
The purpose of a Conviction Review Unit (CRU) is to identify, remedy, and prevent wrongful convictions. Our 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 consists of dedicated attorneys, investigators, and support staff. An Independent Review Panel composed of legal experts outside of the State Attorney’s Office collaborates with our CRU to provide additional analysis and evaluation of cases under review. If following the review and investigation, the CRU identifies a wrongful conviction, the State Attorney’s Office will remedy the conviction, possibly by dismissing the underlying charges and convictions and will take appropriate measures to prevent similar wrongful convictions.
If you believe you have been wrongfully convicted of a crime in Hillsborough County, please complete the petition below.
You, or someone on your behalf, can submit a petition by choosing one of the following methods:
- Downloading a printable PDF form and emailing it to [email protected]; or
- Mailing a hard copy of the PDF form to the State Attorney’s Office, Attn: Conviction Review Unit, 419 N. Pierce St., Tampa, Florida 33602.
Please see our Frequently Asked Questions for additional information.
Please note that under Florida law, email addresses are public records.