Northern California Innocence Project

02/25/2026

12/30/2025

Our 2025 Year in Review video is here! Please take a moment to see how, together, we are freeing the innocent, educating future lawyers and the public, and advancing reforms that help correct and prevent wrongful convictions. None of it would be possible without the incredible support of our community!

If you are inspired by what we've accomplished this year, we hope you’ll consider making a year-end donation at www.ncip.org/donate to help carry this momentum into 2026. Every contribution strengthens our ability to fight for justice.

Your support makes this work possible — thank you!

12/02/2025

This , you can help reunite families. NCIP client Regi Tanubagijo recently celebrated Thanksgiving at home with his family for the first time in more than a decade. He was released from San Quentin in May — NCIP's 38th client freed from wrongful incarceration. Every day, we work to free innocent people like Regi and bring them back to their families for holidays, birthdays, and the moments that matter most.

Donate today at the link in bio to help us free more innocent people.

11/20/2025

to an unforgettable night ✨

Nearly 200 supporters, clients, and advocates came together on October 16 for NCIP’s annual Justice for All (JFA) Gala — an evening filled with hope, gratitude, and new beginnings. We honored the strength of those who have reclaimed their freedom and the community that makes this work possible. Guests at this year’s JFA — held at the museum at — also experienced “Portraits of Freedom: A Visual Tribute to Lives Reclaimed,” a powerful photo display capturing the resilience and future selves of our freed clients.

A heartfelt thank you to our generous sponsors: Catherine & Rich Boyle; Keith Ballinger & Ada Cruz; Champion Charities; ; ; Anne-Marie & Joe Macrae; Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP; Asset Management Company; Covington & Burling LLP; ; McLane, Bednarski & Litt, LLP; Barmak Meftah; The Norton Law Firm; Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP; ; Sealey Family; Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP; Clint Reilly Landmark Properties; Jachimowicz Law Group; Merchants Exchange Productions; ; ;

10/02/2025

One year ago today, Jose Olivares walked free after years behind bars for a crime he didn’t commit. Today, on , we celebrate his freedom!

Since 1989, more than 3,730 people have been exonerated in the United States, spending a collective 34,694 years behind bars for crimes they didn’t commit. At NCIP, we’ve helped free 38 wrongfully convicted people including Jose — who have collectively spent nearly 600 years behind bars.

Learn more and take action at wrongfulconvictionday.org

09/09/2025

Please join us in welcoming our newest cohort of NCIP clinical students!

Recently we celebrated the start of the new academic year with a special luncheon where five exonerees joined students and staff. After sharing a meal, exonerees spoke about their lived experiences with wrongful incarceration and the US criminal justice system, offering powerful lessons for the students beginning their clinical journey.

Since 2001, nearly 800 Santa Clara Law students have graduated from NCIP’s clinical program. Under the guidance of experienced attorneys, students investigate innocence claims, review legal documents, interview incarcerated people and witnesses, and even draft and argue in court proceedings.

We can’t wait to see what this class will accomplish—stay tuned for more highlights!

05/19/2025

After 11 years of wrongful incarceration, NCIP Client Reginald "Regi" Tanubagijo walked out of San Quentin last Friday — finally free. He was greeted with open arms by his wife Tammy, his sister Crysta, and members of the NCIP team who’ve stood by him through his long fight for justice.

Read more about Regi's journey to freedom in the San Francisco Chronicle: https://www.sfchronicle.com/bayarea/article/shaken-baby-conviction-overturned-20331038.php

And if you are able, please consider supporting Regi via his Amazon Wishlist: https://www.amazon.com/registries/gl/guest-view/3JHPBMKS4TYB2

03/04/2025

01/25/2025

The NCIP staff recently got creative at a local pottery throwing class — just like our work, pottery takes patience, precision, and a little bit of grit! The afternoon not only fostered team spirit but also provided a great platform for artistic expression and self care.

12/07/2024

"It means, for the first time since she was 21, Hemme is totally free." Congratulations to Ms. Hemme on finally being exonerated, though it will never make up for the decades she spent in prison for a crime she didn't commit.

In June, a judge overturned Hemme’s conviction for the 1980 murder of a librarian from St. Joseph, Missouri. After five months of legal battles, the same judge signed the final order granting her freedom.

10/24/2024

Nearly 200 people gathered in San Francisco last Thursday for our annual Justice for All Gala. It was an incredible evening, filled with riveting stories of the unimaginable: enduring incarceration for a crime you did not commit. All in attendance were touched and humbled by the strength and resilience of our clients. Watch a behind-the-scenes peek at the creation of this special storytelling event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZuOBviGXKOg

Thank you to our generous sponsors who helped make this night possible: Catherine & Rich Boyle; Champion Charities (in honor of Frank Quattrone and Denise Foderaro); Cooley LLP; Hart Family Foundation; Keker Van Nest & Peters LLP, The Norton Law Firm; Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP; The Sealey Family; Wendell Van Auken (in memory of Eddi Van Auken); Barmak Meftah; Farella Braun + Martel LLP; Latham & Watkins LLP; McLane, Bednarski & Litt LLP; Santa Clara University School of Law; Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP; Willkie Far & Gallagher LLP; Berliner Cohen LLP; Dennis & Lori McBride; Seyfarth Shaw LLP; UA Local 393; Uber Technologies, Inc; Trust in Justice Project; and The Pruno Fund.

Photos by Jim Gensheimer