We want to work with you
Bringing justice for the wronged and overlooked
First-class in exonerations for wrongful incarcerations
How It Works
Our cutting-edge process
Case Review
We will review your case to determine the feasibility of exoneration
Strategize
Our network of professionals will prepare your package
Take Action
We will present your completed package to our lawyer partners
Our Story
Born from determination. Driven by justice.
The story of Freedom for the Innocent (FFTI) began long before it had a name.
In 2019, our founder, Elaine, began doing innocence work, driven by a deep sense of justice and compassion. Alongside two students and private investigator Carla Johnson, she took on her first case. However, just before a major deadline, both teammates unexpectedly withdrew, leaving the project in crisis. Refusing to give up, Elaine worked day and night to meet the deadline herself. Against all odds, her efforts led to a successful habeas petition — and the first exoneration of her career.
That experience changed everything. In the years that followed, Elaine went on to help free three more innocent people, recruiting and mentoring students who shared her dedication. Pushing through every challenge, she learned each step of the innocence process — from the first client letter to the final legal filing — and discovered the leadership and innovation that would one day form the heart of FFTI.
By 2023, Elaine realized that her approach could reach far beyond what one small team could do. She gathered a group of ten exceptional students, people she could trust to share both the workload and the vision. Together, they formalized what her early work had started and gave it a name: Freedom for the Innocent.
Today, FFTI is more than an organization — it’s a movement of students, professionals, and advocates united by one belief: that no innocent person should remain behind bars. What began as one student’s determination has grown into a community of changemakers committed to giving freedom back to those who never should have lost it.
Reviews
Hear what people say about us
I love FFTI!
Joseigh Collel
FFTI taught me so much about law. I love that I can make a positive impact for those who experience such injustice!
Andrina Brachmen
I was impressed by how professional FFTI was. They worked quicker than I thought was possible, and I look forward to working with them more in the future.
Wolfe Adjuin
FAQs
What sets you apart?
Founded by a team of 11 passionate college students, all with experience in innocence work, we combined our experience and perspectives to create a streamlined process from case intake to exoneration.
How do I know if my case is a good fit?
If someone you know has been unjustly imprisoned in the US, then please reach out. We will help you determine whether there is a legal basis for a remedy. As of this time, we only accept US cases.
What information should I provide when reaching out?
There is no specific requirement to reach out! Just explain your situation and why you think you have been treated unjustly, and we will follow up with next steps.
How can I get involved
We are always looking for new talent to join our team! Our process is selective, but if you are accepted, we will give you all the training you need to make a real-world impact.
Is there a cost?
As a nonprofit charity, we put a high priority on being accessible to anyone in need. As such, we don’t charge anything until successful exoneration, and even then, we only take 10% of what you get from the government. We never take money out of your pocket.