Conviction Integrity Section
The Conviction Integrity Section (CIS) reviews credible claims of innocence in coordination with district attorneys to correct any miscarriage of justice and seek the truth.
The Attorney General established the Conviction Integrity Section to reinforce Pennsylvania’s commitment to the highest standards of fairness in our criminal justice system. The CIS will review claims of innocence statewide and provide substantial resources to review past convictions in collaboration with district attorneys, police agencies and victims to ensure justice.
Request to Review a Conviction
A request to review a conviction may come from a district attorney having original jurisdiction of the conviction or a direct application to the CIS. After application, the CIS and the district attorney will conduct a joint review to determine if a claim meets the following criteria:
- The applicant is incarcerated on the conviction in question.
- The conviction is in a county within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. All Philadelphia County cases will be sent to the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Conviction Integrity Unit.
- The conviction is for a felony offense.
- The applicant is claiming actual innocence –
- No crime was committed or that the crime was committed by someone else;
- Facts, evidence or information supporting the claim must meet the definition of “new evidence” per 42 Pa.C.S. 9545.
- The new evidence must be material and credible; and
- The new evidence viewed based on the totality of circumstances now known must be of a “clear and convincing” nature creating a reasonable likelihood of innocence as defined by the ABA Rules of Professional Conduct R 3.8.[1]
[1] ABA MODEL RULES OF PROF’L CONDUCT 3.8 (g) (2008) – “When a prosecutor knows of new, credible and material evidence creating a reasonable likelihood the defendant did not commit an offense of which the defendant has been convicted…”
Victim Role in Post-Conviction Review
The rights and well-being of the victim are of utmost concern during the post-conviction review process. The Agency will protect the privacy and safety of the victim while balancing the integrity of any re-investigation to ensure fairness in the search for the truth. Victim services including recommendations for support and resource referrals are available to include the assistance of a victim advocate within the Agency.
Application Process
The links below provide a form for applicants represented by an attorney and a form for pro se applicants:
Attorney Conviction Integrity Application
Pro Se Conviction Integrity Application
The CIS will confirm receipt of each application. After a preliminary review, the applicant will be notified in writing if their application does or does not warrant further review.
Contact the Conviction Integrity Section:
Conviction Integrity Section
Criminal Law Division
PA Office of Attorney General
16th Floor Strawberry Square
Harrisburg, PA 17120
This office does not represent you, cannot give legal advice and the attorney-client privilege does not apply to information provided in the application or other communication.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Conviction Integrity Section (CIS) was created by the Office of Attorney General in to reinforce Pennsylvania’s commitment to the highest standards of fairness in our criminal justice system by creating an independent, transparent and standardized process for investigating claims of actual innocence state-wide. Resources otherwise not available in smaller jurisdictions will be made available to conduct reviews of past convictions in collaboration with local prosecutors, law enforcement and victims while providing assistance to larger jurisdictions as well.
What is the Conviction Integrity Section (CIS?)
What is the mission of the CIS?
The mission of the CIS is to identify, investigate and correct any wrongful or erroneous convictions within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Is the CIS a part of the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General?
Yes. The CIS is a special section within the Office of Attorney General with dedicated staff.
What kind of cases does the CIS review?
The CIS reviews felony convictions that occurred in Pennsylvania where there is a credible claim of actual innocence; the applicant is currently serving a sentence of incarceration on the conviction in question; and, absent extraordinary circumstances, no litigation is pending in any court.
How do I request a review of my conviction?
Complete the application on this website and send electronically or in hard-copy. If you are represented by an attorney, please consult your attorney first and complete the appropriate application on this website. Please understand, if you are represented by an attorney, the CIS will communicate only with your attorney about your case.
Will all claims of innocence be reviewed?
The CIS and the district attorney office of original jurisdiction on the conviction, screen all applications for credible claims of actual innocence to determine if further review is warranted.
Can I apply for review of my conviction if I entered a plea agreement?
Yes. The CIS reviews convictions resolved by trial or guilty plea.
Does the CIS review only cases where there is forensic evidence available for DNA testing?
No. The CIS considers other factual issues whether or not DNA evidence exists.
I am concerned with the sentence that was imposed in my case. Will the CIS review sentences?
No. The CIS does not review sentences.
No. The CIS does not review requests for early release or probation/parole violations. These claims should be submitted to the Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole at pa****@**.gov.
How does the CIS work?
What happens after I complete and submit an application?
The CIS will confirm that the application was received. The application is screened by the CIS and the district attorney in the county where the conviction occurred. The CIS will notify you or your attorney whether it will be accepted for further review or if additional information is needed.
How quickly are applications processed?
Every effort will be made to process and communicate the status of your application in a timely fashion. The length of the initial screening process depends on many factors, including the age and complexity of the case, the information available, and the number of applications being processed.
Every attempt will be made to keep you informed during the review process when possible and appropriate. Once the investigation is completed, the CIS will notify you or your attorney the decision and/or recommendations.
Will I be exonerated if the CIS agrees to review my case?
No. The decision to review your case means the CIS is prepared to investigate your claim of innocence, but it does not mean the CIS agrees with the validity of the claim or has exonerated you.
Must I solve the case to get relief?
No. The mission of the CIS is to identify and correct convictions of innocent people whether or not the true offender is identified or prosecuted for the crime.
If I disagree with the decision of the CIS, what rights do to I have to appeal?
None. The CIS is not a court of law and does not create or confer any legal right on your claim. However, the CIS decision does not prevent you from raising the same claim of innocence through the Pennsylvania Post Conviction Relief A
No. Submitting an application for review to the CIS has no effect on any other legal rights you may have even if your case meets initial screening criteria and is accepted for further review.
Additional Information:
Is the CIS affiliated with the Innocence Project/s?
No. The CIS is part of the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. However, collaboration with Innocence Projects or similar organizations may occur.
Does the CIS represent me as an attorney?
No. The CIS is a part of the PA-OAG which is a law enforcement agency and cannot give you legal advice.