Great North Innocence Project

The Great North Innocence Project frees people convicted of crimes they did not commit and prevents wrongful convictions. We do this by:

1. Investigating and litigating cases where newly discovered evidence can prove actual innocence.

2. Educating law students, legal professionals, and the public to address the root cause of wrongful convictions.

3. Advocating to reform the criminal legal system and address the fundamental causes of wrongful convictions.

For 25 years, the Great North Innocence Project has provided pro bono legal services to innocent people, investigating and litigating cases to free them, while working to prevent future injustices.

Your gift today funds this critical work. Together, we can help more innocent people find their way home.

Double Your Impact

Your generosity on Give to the Max Day will go twice as far! The Thom Family Foundation will match each donation made, dollar-for-dollar, up to $10,000.

---

Robert "Bobby" Bintz

Imagine spending years behind bars for a crime you didn’t commit. That was the unimaginable reality for GNIP client Robert “Bobby” Bintz, who received a life sentence alongside his brother David for the 1986 murder of Sandra Lison. Despite DNA evidence at the crime scene excluding both Bobby and David, both brothers were convicted and received life sentences.  

Bobby lost precious years - missing milestones like birthdays, holidays, and funerals - all while fighting daily to prove his innocence.

Thanks to the relentless efforts of the Great North Innocence Project, Bobby was exonerated and released from prison on September 25, 2024, after over 25 years behind bars for a crime he did not commit.

While we can never give Bobby back the years he lost, today we celebrate his freedom, his resilience, and the opportunity to make new memories with the people he loves.

There are still innocent people across our region waiting for their chance at freedom. Your support makes it possible for GNIP to continue fighting for them.

---

Your support will allow the Great North Innocence Project to:

REVIEW applications of incarcerated people claiming actual innocence.

INVESTIGATE cases of actual innocence including interviewing witnesses, testing forensic evidence, and consulting scientific experts.

FIGHT in court to prove innocence and secure freedom for wrongfully convicted people.

TEACH the next generation of legal professionals about the causes, consequences, and remedies of wrongful convictions.

ADVOCATE for reforms that ensure a just legal system for all.

COLLABORATE with community partners to educate the public about our mission.

All donations made through GiveMN between November 1 and November 19 will be eligible for a dollar-for-dollar match generously provided by the Thom Family Foundation. 

Thank you for standing with GNIP this Give to the Max Day to help reunite innocent people with their loved ones and prevent wrongful convictions.

GNIP Freed Clients in Media Gallery: Robert Bintz, Brian Pippitt, Werner Rümmer-Kunkel, Edgar Barrientos-Quintana, Bryan Hooper, Sr., Robert Kaiser, Marvin Haynes, Cassandra Black Elk, Michael Hansen, Terry Olson, Thomas Rhodes, Sherman Townsend.