Idaho Innocence Project

Why we are here

It is impossible to imagine the terror of being accused, tried and convicted of a crime that you did not commit. Yet the Innocence Projects across the country have secured the freedom of more than 180 innocent men and women who all suffered false imprisonment. The new Idaho Innocence Project at Boise State University has brought together some of the finest legal minds in the state to offer free legal help for the wrongfully convicted. These volunteer lawyers will work with University of Idaho law interns and Boise State students to investigate and pursue claims of actual innocence. The Idaho Innocence Project team also includes forensic experts in DNA, Polygraphs, Latent Prints and Physical Anthropology (bones).

Progress to date

• Boise State University has given office space and support services in the Towers building on campus
• Fundraising efforts are underway to secure a staff position to manage cases
• In partnership with the University of Idaho Law School, an internship program for law students has been established
• The Project has begun reviewing cases from Idaho inmates who claim actual innocence

How can you help?

Donations are being sought for:

• Staff support (one full-time position)
• New computers and a printer
• Legal document processing (copying, transportation, mailing)

To make a donation

Volunteers are needed

These are the skills that are the needed the most;

• Paralegal
• Investigation
• Fundraising/Grants
• General office skills

• If you would like to volunteer
• Please contact Dr. Greg Hampikian
• greghampikian@boisestate.edu
• 208-426-4992

Some of the men and woman freed by innocence projects across the country. From the National Innocence Network conference in Washington DC.
Photo (Greg Hampikian)


Innocence Project founders, Peter Neufeld (far right), and Barry Scheck (2nd from right) with members of the Innocence Project from left to right: Jason Costa (student intern), Greg Hampikian (DNA expert) and Aimee Maxwell (Director of the Georgia Project).

Freeing the Innocent and Convicting the Guilty

Convicted at age 21, Mr. Clark spent nearly 25 years in prison for the 1981 rape of an Atlanta woman. During his years in prison, his children grew up and his mother passed away. These test results not only prove his innocence, but also identify the likely perpetrator, Floyd Antonio “Tony” Arnold, a known sex offender who has recently been linked to two previously unsolved rapes. Dr. Greg Hampikian, Director of the Idaho Innocence Project, is on the Board of the Georgia Innocence Project, and serves as their DNA expert.

Robert Clark eagerly awaiting his release from prison.
Georgia Innocence Project photo

In Exit to Freedom, Calvin Johnson recounts his 17 year struggle, and ultimate triumph, to prove his innocence. Pictures of Mr. Johnson's fundraiser for the Idaho Innocence Project

• Idaho Innocence Project Board, Officers
• Director: Greg Hampikian
• Fundraising Chair: Michael Hoffman
• Legal Advisory Board Co-directors:
• David Nevin and Dick Rubin
• Student Assistant: Kristen Leenhouts
• Web design and management: Jeremy VanDeBogart and Tim Kuhn
• idahoinnocenceproject.org