Who Can File

To have your case reviewed:

1. You must have been convicted and sentenced for a felony in the State of Michigan.
2. The direct appeal process must be complete.
3. You must present a claim of factual innocence. This means you played no role in the criminal act(s).
4. The claim must be supported by evidence that is:
   • New;
   • Credible; and
   • Material to your innocence based on the legal standard of "clear and convincing."
5. The new evidence must not have been addressed by any court either at trial, during appeals, or during other post-conviction challenges.

How to File

Claimants are encouraged to use the CIU application (PDF), but the CIU will accept any writing that provides the necessary information.

Claims must be:

• Sent to the CIU through the U.S. Mail or an email.
• The CIU will not consider claims presented through telephone calls.

If you fill out the application online, please be aware that the application will not automatically be submitted once you are done. You will need to save the document to your computer and either submit the application by email or print the application and send it through the U.S. mail to:

Michigan Department of Attorney General
Conviction Integrity Unit
3030 W. Grand Blvd. Ste. 10-200
Detroit, MI 48202

Please do not send supporting documentation. The CIU will request additional documents if your case is accepted.

CIU's Process

Only a court can set aside a conviction.

The CIU makes recommendations to the Attorney General. The Attorney General decides whether to adopt the CIU recommendation, and then it is submitted to the court if appropriate. Only the court can grant relief.

The CIU is not governed by any court rules.