This book lays out the author’s proven approach to investigating and assessing a defendant’s claim of innocence whether pre-trial or post-conviction. The author weaves his 35 years of experience into a simple step-by-step process, showing the reader how to objectively investigate a wrongful conviction. He uses his case histories to describe an alternative to the “trial and error” methods so often used. As a result, this book offers a methodical and repeatable approach to assessing and investigating a defendant’s claim of innocence. The book refers to the actual investigations, which led to dozens of exonerations, prison releases, acquittals, and dismissed charges in Murder I cases.

Claims of innocence may be common, but knowledge of an objective way to assess those claims is hardly universal. This book was written for the classroom and the field. It is essential reading for the student, the Innocence Project volunteer, practitioner, or anyone interested in correcting a wrongful conviction or avoiding the next false conviction.

Special Offer for Adopters! Delve more deeply into the fact-finder’s role by featuring expert Dan Grothaus in a virtual presentation to your class. Grothaus offers a gratis 45-minute zoom presentation to any class of students using this book in their curriculum. The opportunity could be used by the class to ask questions or discuss any aspect of the book. It is possible the zoom might include an exoneree drop-in. Queries may be made directly to the author at: djgrothaus@gmail.com