Broward State Attorney Harold F. Pryor recognizes that prosecutors have a continuing post-conviction ethical obligation to seek justice. No one benefits when an innocent person is convicted and the real offender is not held accountable. The Conviction Review Unit (CRU) was created to give additional oversight to cases that warrant an extra review.
This unit 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. Established in 2019, the unit uses panels, composed of members of the community who are legal experts, to review claims of wrongful conviction that are being examined by a unit attorney and investigator.
Please complete this petition if you have a claim of actual innocence, supported by dispositive information or evidence that was not previously litigated, and have no current appeals.
Petition: Please submit a petition using the forms below to have your case reviewed by the CRU.
Important: The State Attorney’s Office cannot provide legal advice. Please consult with an attorney prior to submitting a petition if you need assistance or have any questions regarding anything contained in this petition. If you are currently represented by an attorney, the CRU will only communicate with your attorney. You should consult your attorney prior to submitting your petition.
Conviction Review Unit’s Independent Review Panel:
The Conviction Review Unit is seeking applications from members of our community to sit on rotating panels to review cases presented for actual claims of innocence. If you are interested in serving on the Independent Review Panel (IRP), please submit this application: Independent Review Panel Application.
Conviction Review Unit (CRU) of Broward County Internship Program
Addicted to podcasts like Serial and In the Dark? Want to make a lasting impact on the court system? Believe in smart criminal justice?
This internship is for you!
As a CRU intern, you will have the opportunity to:
- Help screen cases for plausible claims of innocence
- Review case files in a range of serious criminal felonies, including homicides, sexual batteries and robberies
- Participate in seminars on DNA testing, expert testimony, eyewitness identification and confessions
- Contribute directly to the mission of giving cases an additional review and ensuring that only the real offenders of crime are held accountable
We are looking for law students (and with some exceptions stellar undergraduates) who are passionate, organized, and hardworking. Our ideal candidates have a keen eye for detail and a desire to intern at the State Attorney’s Office in this unique position. We are looking for students who are able to work a minimum of 15-20 hours a week and can dedicate an entire semester to our unit. This internship is not available for CLI credits. Candidates must also successfully complete our intern background check.
Application Deadlines:
- Fall – July 1
- Spring – November 1
- Summer – March 15
To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter, writing sample, current school transcript, background check release and semester preference to: aortiz@sao17.state.fl.us and adembyberger@sao17.state.fl.us.
The Linda B. Bell Identity Theft Unit
Since 1982, the Broward State Attorney’s Office has been investigating claims involving innocent people who were issued traffic tickets or charged with misdemeanor or felony offenses because their identities had been stolen and misused. If this has happened to you, we can help. For more information and documentation, please click: Identity Theft Unit Docs
On December 29, 2000, our unit was named in honor of the dedicated founding paralegal, Linda B. Bell.
