Mid-Atlantic Innocence Project

Nationwide, it is estimated that approximately 107,000 to 181,500 military veterans are incarcerated in federal, state, and local correctional facilities, making up roughly 8% of the U.S. state prison population. According to the Council on Criminal Justice, many of these justice-involved veterans are dealing with invisible wounds of war—such as post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injuries.

This Memorial Day, we recognize all those who have served and those dealing with the lasting effects of war and wrongful incarceration.
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A HUGE congratulations to our recent Defender of Innocence sponsor and friends at Hunton on receiving the 2026 Frankie Muse Freeman Organizational Pro Bono Award from the Virginia State Bar's Access to Legal Services Committee. The award recognizes exemplary pro bono legal services to underserved Virginians. We are honored to have Hunton in our community!

Read more about their accomplishment here: https://ow.ly/BXrx50Z1Byc
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Tonight is our annual fundraiser, Evening of Light! 🌟

This event will bring together our community to shine a light on the injustice in the criminal legal system and elevate the voices of those directly impacted by wrongful conviction. The presence and advocacy of our friends, donors, and sponsors stretches beyond the evening, to ensure that we will always be able to leave the light on for those still waiting to come home.

We are incredibly grateful to each member of our community for choosing to support us and create lasting change for those that are wrongfully convicted.

Thank YOU from the bottom of our hearts. We cannot wait to celebrate with you! 💞
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🧠MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH🧠

One of the most detrimental conditions of the carceral environment is exposure to violence.

The Prison Policy Initiative reports that witnessing or experiencing violence can lead to post-traumatic stress symptoms - including anxiety, depression, avoidance, hypervigilance, flashbacks, and difficulty regulating emotions.

These are not passing moments, they are life-long pains.

No one should lose their freedom, or their mental health, because of wrongful conviction.

We are grateful to be able to provide support to each client represented by MAIP through our Exoneree Support Program.
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🧠MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH🧠

A lack of purpose is a damaging reality of incarceration. A lot of incarcerated individuals go years without access to meaningful work, education, or activity.

This can cause intense stress, anger, and frustration - as documented by the Prison Policy Initiative - and may push some towards unhealthy coping mechanisms to get through the day.

We work every day to free the innocent and shine a light on the conditions that make incarceration so devastating.
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🧠MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH🧠

Incarceration doesn't just take years, it takes personal autonomy.

The Prison Policy Initiative highlights that those experiencing incarceration have almost no control over their day to day lives. They don't get to choose when they wake up, when they eat, when they can access recreation, and more. This can lead to feelings of helplessness and dependency.

Restoring freedom means restoring control over your own life.
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