Divisions
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Is the AIEU part of the Innocence Project?
A: No, the AIEU is part of the Dallas County Public Defender’s Office. However, our unit has collaborated with various organizations and innocence projects when investigating and litigating claims of actual innocence.
Q: How can the AIEU review my case, or the case of my loved one?
A: You or your loved one may write a letter to the AIEU. If you are writing on behalf of a loved one or family member, please understand that we will need permission from the inmate before we will be able to start our investigation. Your letter should include the name of the defendant, the cause number, your contact information (preferably a mailing address and phone number), and specific information explaining why your case is one of actual innocence. The letter must be mailed to:
Q: Are you able to receive letters and/or re-investigate cases where the defendant does not - or witnesses do not - speak English?
A: Yes. If the review request letter is not written in English, we make every effort to obtain a translation of the letter. The request will be treated the same as ones where the request is made in English. Additionally, the AIEU is currently able to assist Spanish-speakers through our unit's bilingual team members.
Q: What type of cases does the AIEU investigate?
A: The criteria for actual innocence claims and the way those claims are presented in court are governed by law. The AIEU does not generally review cases where the only claim is that the defendant received ineffective assistance of counsel, claims of self-defense, claims where there is only a request for a time-cut, or a complaint that an inmate has not made parole.
The AIEU’s determination does not prevent you from attempting to obtain relief through the normal legal process, such as filing a writ of habeas corpus. Also, the AIEU’s determination should not be taken as legal advice that your claim does or does not have merit. You are always free to seek legal advice from a defense attorney at any time regarding your case, and/or pursue any legal claim you believe you may have.
