Legal Talk Network Launches California Innocence Project Podcast to Share Stories of the Wrongfully Convicted and Highlight Pitfalls of the Criminal Legal System

Los Angeles, CA – March 31, 2023 – Legal Talk Network, the leading legal podcast network, announces the launch of ‘California Innocence Project Podcast:’ stories of wrongfully convicted men and women who spent decades in prison for crimes they did not commit.

“The injustice suffered by so many innocent people is heartbreaking,” said Legal Talk Network Executive Producer Laurence Colletti. “I simply had no idea how often wrongful convictions occurred. Working with the California Innocence Project on this podcast has been an incredibly humbling experience. Learning about their fights for freedom has given me new inspiration about the practice of law. The work they do truly matters.”

California Innocence Project Podcast’s episodes will include first-hand accounts from the exoneree, as well as discussion on the common ways innocent people end up in the system including DNA, false confessions, and junk science. Legal Talk Network sourced experts in evidence, prosecutors, lawyers, documentarians, and the exonerees themselves. Exoneree stories will include football player Brian Banks and Amanda Knox.

“We are pleased to find a partner in Legal Talk Network who has taken the time and care to get the word out about the people trapped in a wrongful conviction, and explain the work our attorneys did to free them,” said Michael Semanchik, Managing Attorney for California Innocence Project, and host of the podcast. “We hope that by talking about the exonerees, we can raise awareness of the need for criminal justice reform and inspire others to get involved in this important work.”

The California Innocence Project works to free innocent people wrongfully convicted of crimes through the work of staff attorneys, law student interns, and pro bono attorneys. Since its founding in 1999, the organization has exonerated 38 individuals who collectively spent hundreds of years in prison for crimes they did not commit.

“The California Innocence Project Podcast on the Legal Talk Network will provide an invaluable platform for the public to understand the struggles and victories of exonerees,” says Jack Newton, CEO and Founder of Clio. “It’s time for society to confront the injustices that persist within our legal system and work together to create a more equitable future for all. By providing our software, we hope to contribute to a more efficient legal process and empower the California Innocence Project to reach even more individuals in need. It is our hope that through these stories, we can help prevent future wrongful convictions.”

Early episodes of California Innocence Project Podcast:

• Uriah Courtney: wrongfully identified and convicted of kidnapping and rape in 2005. Uriah served eight years before the victim’s clothing was re-tested for DNA, and the resulting DNA pointed to the real perpetrator who went on to commit additional crimes that landed him in the national DNA
• Brian Banks: wrongfully convicted in 2002 of rape at age 17 after being wrongly accused by a high school Brian was pressured into a plea deal only to have his accuser recant her testimony after his release.
• Martin Tankleff: wrongfully convicted in 1999 of murdering his Tankleff was coerced into falsely confessing to the crime after hours of intense questioning and sentenced to 50 years to life in prison.

California Innocence Project Podcast, produced by Legal Talk Network, is available now on all major podcast platforms, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

About Legal Talk Network:

Legal Talk Network is a leading podcast network that covers a wide range of legal topics, including legal news, practice management, and career development. With a diverse roster of hosts and guests, the network is committed to advancing the legal profession by providing quality educational content and fostering a community of legal professionals who are passionate about improving the practice of law. For more information visit legaltalknetwork.com.

About the California Innocence Project:

The California Innocence Project is a non-profit organization based in San Diego, California, working to free innocent people who have been wrongfully convicted. Since 1999, the Project has exonerated 38 people who have spent years in prison for crimes they did not commit. The California Innocence Project is dedicated to ensuring that the innocent are freed, the guilty are held accountable, and the justice system is fair for all. For more information visit: californiainnocenceproject.org.

About Clio:

Clio is transforming the legal experience for all by creating the world’s leading cloud-based technologies for law firms. Firms of all sizes and practice areas use Clio products—Clio Manage, Clio Grow, and Lawyaw—to manage firm operations, streamline billing and payments, automate legal documents, and improve client experiences. As a result, Clio is helping lawyers and their clients better connect throughout the legal process.

Media assets available at: https://legaltalknetwork.com/media/