Apply for help.

We cannot review cases based on a telephone call or e-mail and do not accept calls from those who want help. Anyone that calls the TN Innocence Project office will be provided the same information as is written below. 

We only accept written applications directly from individuals wanting help. If your loved one or client meets EVERY criterion below, please have them write to us directly. 

Our criteria:

  • The person claims they are factually innocent of the crime for which they are in prison. (A person is factually innocent if they had no involvement in the crime and were not there. We will not take claims of legal innocence, self-defense, or cases in which the person is guilty of a lesser charge.)

  • The person’s direct appeal has been denied (the direct appeal is the automatic appeal that follows a trial).

  • The person cannot afford an attorney.

  • The person is not serving a sentence on another unrelated charge that will mean he or she will not be released if the conviction at issue is overturned.

  • We do not accept cases of parole or probation revocations.

  • We do not accept cases from the following offenses: theft, driving under the influence, stalking/harassment, domestic assault, or any misdemeanor.

  • Please do not call our office to inquire about the status of an application. We do not have the staff to handle phone calls and they only slow down our review of applications. We respond to all applications by mail.

Get help today.

In order to be considered for representation, all potential clients must complete our application and mail it to the TN Innocence Project office at 700 Craighead Street, Suite 300, Nashville, TN 37204. If it appears an applicant’s case might qualify, they will receive a second form that will request more detailed information. All information we receive is kept strictly confidential.

Attorney referrals are welcome. To access our application, click Apply Now.

Do not email applications or correspondence to our office.

The Tennessee Innocence Project does not give legal advice or make referrals.