It’s Time for Delaware to Modernize its Post-Conviction DNA Law

Innocent Delawareans Need a Path to Freedom. Call 302-343-2760 and urge lawmakers to support SB 57 and SB 58 now.

False or misleading forensic science is the second most common contributing factor in wrongful convictions. Over the years, DNA testing and advances in forensic science disciplines have revealed weaknesses in several methods – like hair microscopy or arson investigations – that were once widely accepted. And, when forensic science disciplines evolve, it is imperative that our criminal legal system evolves with it to account for these changes. 

Unfortunately, innocent people in Delaware are denied post-conviction DNA testing and have no mechanism to get back into court if the forensic evidence used to convict them has been discredited or there is new forensic evidence available. Delaware’s post-conviction DNA statute has not been updated in over two decades and is lagging behind other states, too often leaving innocent Delawareans with no legal remedy to get back into court to challenge their wrongful conviction. 

Senate Bill 57 and SB 58 would remove outdated barriers to post-conviction DNA testing and allow innocent individuals a legal pathway to prove their innocence when changes in science occur.

Take action: Contact your senator and tell them to support SB 57 and SB 58 today.

This campaign is in partnership with Innocence Project Delaware.