While the trial and appellate processes contain important safeguards for those accused of a crime, PCAO acknowledges that there are systemic issues that often lead to unjust convictions and excessively harsh sentences. The Conviction & Sentencing Integrity Unit (CSIU) serves to safeguard the public and to fulfill this Office’s ethical duty to seek justice in every case.
CSIU’s mission is to review legitimate claims of innocence and excessive sentencing. CSIU is composed of a bureau chief and a CSIU Committee. The CSIU Chief organizes the work of the Committee and leads all re-investigations of cases that present a credible claim of innocence or over-sentencing. PCAO senior members serve on the CSIU Committee.
Requests for review must be submitted in writing to Supervising Deputy County Attorney Brad Roach, CSIU Chief, and should include the convicted person’s name, case number, evidence of innocence or over-sentencing, and, if applicable, how CSIU could look further into that evidence. CSIU does not review non-innocence related claims such as procedural errors at trial or ineffective assistance of counsel that are decided by the appellate system. If the review process determines that someone has been wrongfully convicted or excessively sentenced, PCAO will file a motion to vacate the verdict. Note: If a defendant is currently represented by counsel, all communication with CSIU must be through that attorney.
Emails can be sent to brad.roach@pcao.pima.gov. Letters can be sent to the attention of Deputy County Attorney Brad Roach, Conviction Integrity Chief, Pima County Attorney’s Office, Legal Services Building, 32 N. Stone Avenue, Tucson, Arizona 85701.
Under Arizona law, in some cases, a person with a criminal conviction may apply to the Superior Court to have their rights restored, set aside a conviction, or obtain other relief. The Pima County Attorney’s Office (PCAO) may represent the State of Arizona in this process and cannot represent any individual. You can also contact the the agencies below for further assistance:
Information Line: (520) 724-2285
pima.gov/knowyourright
Prof. Andy Silverman, Clinic Director
(520) 621-1975
asilverm@arizona.edu
General Information:
https://www.azjusticeproject.org
Application:
https://www.azjusticeproject.org/contact
info@azjusticeproject.org
If you are a reporter looking to gather general information for a story, on deadline or for background, email media@pcao.pima.gov or call Shawndrea Thomas, (520) 310-4720.
