Since its founding in 2008, the Montana Innocence Project has worked to free the innocent, challenge unjust incarceration, and advance fairer criminal legal systems. In 2021, we expanded our focus to address the overrepresentation of Indigenous people in prison and the systemic causes of mass incarceration.
We work with impacted individuals to develop legal strategies, shape policy initiatives, and increase alternative mechanisms for release—especially for those under 25 at sentencing, over 60 or medically infirm, women, and survivors.
Montana Innocence Project’s latest strategic plan aims to transform Montana’s criminal legal landscape by reshaping the narrative, mobilizing communities, and expanding advocacy, legal, and reentry efforts to build more just and accountable systems for all.
Strategic Priorities
Narrative Change
Reshape how Montanans talk about and understand our criminal legal systems to build support for policy change. Refresh our brand and messaging to reflect our broader mission to create fairer criminal legal systems for everyone.
Legal Work
Prioritize cases with the greatest potential for post-conviction relief and advance second chances policy reforms. Continue our pursuit to free those wrongfully convicted.
Support for Reentry
Build upon our innovative work to support individuals as they transition from prison to the community. Address issues within criminal legal systems through programs designed to help navigate prison life and parole.
Advocacy
Establish a statewide, nonpartisan coalition to advance legislative efforts on second chance reform. Develop and implement legislative strategies to advance changes to our legal systems to reduce incarceration rates.
