The Innocence Center

??? Mark your calendars! Starting this Giving Tuesday (December 3rd), Jason Flom, justice advocate and champion for the wrongfully convicted, is matching every donation to The Innocence Center—dollar for dollar—up to $25,000 through midnight on December 31, 2024. That means your impact in the fight for freedom is doubled! As the host of the acclaimed Wrongful Conviction podcast his commitment to justice inspires us all. When you give, your gift will go twice as far to: ??Advocate for the wrongfully convicted. ???Secure freedom for the innocent. ??Support freed and exonerated people as they rebuild their lives. Together, we can transform lives and bring hope to those who need it most.

?? The Innocence Center in the News! Last week, our Executive Director, Michael Semanchik, joined Valerie McConnell, Senior Director of Customer Success at Thomson Reuters, at the Synergy Conference to discuss the use of AI to increase access to justice. Thomson Reuters recently announced its "AI for Legal Justice Aid Program." This program includes a partnership with select nonprofit legal aid organizations, like TIC, as well as the release of a subsidized version of its generative artificial intelligence assistant CoCounsel. We're thrilled to have been part of this impactful moment, and the news is spreading! Check out this article from Legaltech News to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gv2fWurG #JusticeThroughInnovation #AIForGood #TheInnocenceCenter #LegalAid #Synergy2024

??Thank you to everyone who joined us at last Thursday’s event to bring awareness to wrongful convictions! Your support and passion for justice fuel our mission, and we’re so grateful to have shared such a meaningful evening with you. We’re so grateful for our incredible supporters, RHOC’s Emily Simpson and Cefali & Cefali, for a truly unforgettable and impactful event last week. ?? And a special shout out to the brands who filled our amazing VIP goodie bags: ? @revel.lash – Custom DIY Lash Kits ??? @auracandles – Beautiful travel candles ?? @alohacollection – Mini travel pouches ??♀? @headlinesthesalon – Free blowout cards + Oribe hair kits ?? @zsupply – Trendy sunglasses ?? @lspace – Cozy socks ?? @lovesweatfitness – Wing Women Immunity Boost Powder ?? @shopthatfridayfeelin – Fun trucker hats ?? @shopsummerbuns – Adorable scrunchies ?? @m.e.a.__designs – Gorgeous hand-beaded bracelets ??? @swirlboutique – $100 gift cards ?? @sinmin – Natural lip balm & deodorant ??? @iseasunglasses – Stylish sunglasses ??♀? @imagespa.md – Pampering gift cards ?? @drinkbourdon – Wine bottles to toast the night Each of you, from sponsors to attendees, plays a vital role in raising awareness and advocating for justice. Together, we’re stronger. Be sure to check out these amazing businesses on Instagram and show them some love. ?? #ForTheInnocent

AI for justice with Valerie McConnell, Senior Director of Customer Success at Thomson Reuters, and Michael Semanchik, Executive Director of The Innocence Center #SYNERGY2024

A Huge Thank You to Our Sponsor, Cefali & Cefali! ?? We’re incredibly grateful for the support of Cefali & Cefali, a dedicated San Juan Capistrano-based law. Here’s what they had to say about their mission: “San Juan Capistrano-based law firm Cefali & Cefali specializes in accident cases, aggressively litigating against insurance companies, businesses, and government entities to secure justice and maximum compensation for their clients. Co-founder and partner Courtney Cefali also practices criminal defense, with a focus on federal appeals. During law school, Courtney Cefali worked as a clinical intern assisting The Innocence Center attorneys with exonerating wrongfully convicted individuals across California.” Thanks to the entire Cefali & Cefali team, for standing with us in the fight for justice and supporting our upcoming Real Housewives of OC event! #ThankYou #CefaliAndCefali #InnocenceCenter #JusticeForAll

?? Happy Birthday to our extraordinary paralegal, Sarah Miotke! From her roots in Northern California, to her years in Chicago, and now calling San Diego home, Sarah’s journey is one marked by a profound dedication to justice. Her passion for innocence work ignited at the University of Mississippi and led her to the Mississippi Innocence Project—a path that eventually brought her talent and heart to our team. Every day, Sarah’s intelligence, kindness, and creativity shine through in all she does, from streamlining processes and organizing our workspace to contributing her unique insights in brainstorming sessions on legal strategies. When she’s not working to free the innocent, Sarah cherishes time with her husband, daughter, and dog. We truly couldn’t do this work without you, Sarah! Have an amazing birthday! ??

Want to tell your friends some real life scary stories this Halloween? Follow Staff Attorney Claudia Salinas, Esq. as she talks to the TIC staff about what they find “spookiest.” Feel free to share one of the “spooky” truths about the criminal legal system that can send chills down anyone’s spine or drop a comment and tell us what you find to be the “spookiest.” ?? ?? ??

Get ready for a night with The Real Housewives of Orange County to support The Innocence Center! There are still a few tickets left but not many so get yours quick! Join us for a screening of the Real Housewives of OC reunion, enjoy food and drinks, and spend time with your favorite housewives, Emily and Gina! Get to know freed innocent people, Anthony Chairez and Stephen Patterson too! ?? Venue Update! ?? Due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control, we have had to change the event venue. We are excited to announce that the event will now be held at: Five Vines Wine Bar Address: 31761 Camino Capistrano #11, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675 VIP tickets are SOLD OUT! Get your general admission tickets for $100 which includes food and beverages! The ticket link is: https://lnkd.in/gX-j64W6 ?? Date: November 14, 2024 ? Time: 8 PM – 10PM Special thanks to our sponsors: Cefali & Cefali, Emily and Shane Simpson, and Swirl Boutique! We hope to see you there! Note: If you are a ticket holder and the change in location is unsatisfactory, please email [email protected] directly and we can refund your ticket.

?? TIC is celebrating the 2nd anniversary of Anthony Chairez's freedom! ?? Two years ago, thanks to the tireless dedication of Senior Staff Attorney Audrey McGinn and the support of the Los Angeles District Attorney’s office, Anthony Chairez was resentenced and freed. Although Anthony is innocent of the crime for which he was convicted, the court resentenced him because he was only 15 at the time of his arrest. This milestone reflects a crucial shift in California law, which allows people convicted of crimes as minors and given long sentences to request resentencing. While his release was a major victory, the fight isn’t over. The Innocence Center is dedicated to prove Anthony’s innocence and clear his name completely, as we continue to pursue the exoneration he deserves. Every case like Anthony's fuels our commitment to fight for justice, give second chances, and reunite families. Join us in celebrating this milestone and stay tuned as we work toward securing Anthony’s full exoneration! ???????????? #ForTheInnocent #JusticeForAnthony #ExonerateNow #SecondChances #CaliforniaLaw

Join Us for a Special Evening with RHOC Stars in Support of The Innocence Center! Sponsored by Cefali and Cefali APC, an Orange County law firm specializing in personal injury. Hosted by Emily & Shane Simpson with special guest Gina Kirschenheiter Get ready for an unforgettable night of entertainment and purpose! We’re excited to host a?live screening?of the?Season 18 Reunion?of?The Real Housewives of Orange County. Join RHOC stars Emily Simpson, Gina Kirschenheiter, Shane Simpson, and some special surprise guests as we come together for a great cause. This event will support?The Innocence Center, dedicated to helping the wrongfully convicted. Date & Time: November 14, 2024 @ 8 PM - Episode airs at 9 PM Location: Hendrix Restaurant and Bar 32431 Golden Lantern, Laguna Niguel, CA Ticket Information: (https://lnkd.in/gX-j64W6) $100 General Admission (includes food and drinks) $150 VIP (includes food, drinks, and special seating with RHOC stars!) Special Guests: Meet freed and exonerated individuals, Stephen Patterson and Anthony Chairez, and hear their powerful stories of justice and freedom.