Conviction Review Unit

The purpose of a CRU is to identify, remedy, and prevent wrongful convictions. Each case the CRU accepts for review will have a strong indication that the person imprisoned could be innocent of the crime for which they were convicted. Minnesota’s CRU also will develop policy proposals to address the most frequently identified causes of wrongful convictions and, when possible, identify the person or people who actually committed the crime. Ramsey County Attorney John Choi and Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman submitted letters of support and have vowed to work cooperatively with the CRU in cases that might arise from their counties. 

The structure and functioning of the CRU will be announced soon. The CRU Advisory Board is currently meeting to advise the Attorney General on the establishment, functioning, and hiring of the unit. 

Communications

• January 21, 2021:
  Attorney General Ellison announces Conviction Review Unit Advisory Board
  16 members include former Minnesota Supreme Court Justice, national criminal-justice experts, Hennepin and Ramsey County Attorneys, community activists
• October 8, 2020:
  Minnesota awarded federal grant to review legal cases for people believed to be innocent
  Attorney General’s Office to partner with Innocence Project of Minnesota on state’s first-ever Conviction Review Unit

CRU Advisory Board

The CRU Advisory Board will advise the Attorney General on the establishment, functioning, and hiring of the unit. View more information about the Advisory Board including member profiles.