We Seek Justice

The Deskovic Foundation is a New York based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to exonerating the wrongfully convicted both in DNA and non-DNA cases, as well as wrongful conviction prevention. The Foundation was established as a result of Jeffrey Deskovic’s own wrongful conviction at the age of 17 of the rape and murder of a 15 year old girl.  Authorities knew his DNA did not match that of the actual perpetrator – who, three years later, went on to murder another young woman and mother of two – but rogue police officers, prosecutors, and other law enforcement personnel knowingly and maliciously accused, prosecuted, and eventually secured his conviction. After his exoneration and release after sixteen years in prison, Deskovic successfully sued the authorities responsible and used a substantial portion of the compensation he was awarded to start the Deskovic Foundation. Deskovic has dedicated himself to helping the wrongfully convicted, and recently graduated from the Elizabeth Haub School of Law at Pace University with a law degree.

We Fight for the Actually Innocent

The Foundation is not a criminal defense organization. Instead, it is solely concerned with wrongful convictions of actually innocent defendants who played no role in the crimes for which they were convicted. Our investigators examine claims of wrongful conviction, and where warranted, conduct investigation to turn up a sufficient amount of previously unknown evidence of innocence for our attorneys to bring post-conviction claims of actual innocence. In addition, the Foundation also assists peripherally in wrongful conviction cases where the defendant already has substantive legal assistance. This could include helping generate media coverage, consultation, and rallying supporters to attend court proceedings. 

WE TAKE ON BOTH DNA AND NON-DNA CASES.  Many wrongful conviction organizations focus exclusively on DNA-based cases. Yet, DNA evidence is available in only 5 to 12% of all serious felony cases. The Foundation not only pursues DNA cases but is also willing to work on the harder non-DNA cases.

Good Old Fashioned Investigative Work

The Foundation seeks to exonerate the actually innocent, i.e., prisoners who have no connection to the crime for which they were convicted. Our team of investigators and lawyers comprehensively review court files and evidence introduced at trial, trial transcripts, police reports, and other official documents to uncover uninvestigated leads, alternative suspects, exculpatory evidence, similar crimes in the area. In addition, we examine whether junk science was used, forensic fraud occurred, lab reports were incorrect, expert witnesses without proper credentials testified, or prosecutorial misconduct such as withholding exculpatory evidence took place. We interview new witnesses, witnesses who did not testify, as well as re-interview trial witnesses. Where it is an option, we also utilize DNA testing.

We’ve Already Made a Difference

Although the Foundation is relatively young, it has already exonerated four people. We are currently fighting to overturn ten other wrongful convictions.

Andrew Krivak

The Deskovic Foundation exonerated Andrew Krivak after he spent 24 years in prison for a murder he did not commit. The Foundation helped overturn Krivak’s conviction in 2019, then helped him obtain bail in 2020 pending a retrial. After three years of house arrest, at his retrial, Krivak was found not guilty by a jury on February 27, 2023, and finally exonerated.

William Haughey

The Deskovic Foundation exonerated William Haughey after he spent 8 years and 4 months in prison for an arson he did not commit. The Foundation’s investigation turned up critical evidence that resulted in Haughey’s conviction being overturned on May 19, 2016.

William Lopez

The Foundation, working in collaboration with William Lopez’s pre-existing legal team of Richard Levitt and Yvonne Shivers, provided critical investigative resources, turning up evidence of innocence, as well as helping secure testimony from a witness who had been deported to the Dominican Republic, which resulted in Lopez being exonerated on January 23, 2013 after spending 23 1/2 years in prison for a murder he had not committed.

Marc Douglas

The Foundation, collaborating with law firm Hale & Monico, exonerated Marc Douglas after almost 14 years of wrongful imprisonment on burglary and assault charges. Hale & Monico filed a motion for post-conviction relief in June 2019, based on Brady violations and actual innocence, and in May 2020, the Hon. David Zuckerman granted a hearing on those claims. Shortly thereafter, the Westchester District Attorney consented to vacate the conviction and dismiss the indictment, acknowledging that at any retrial a jury would have reasonable doubt regarding guilt.

In addition, the foundation assisted our client Lorenzo Johnson obtain his freedom via a “nolo contendre” plea after 22 years in prison, helped overturn the wrongful conviction of our client Andre Brown, helped seven other clients obtain parole while maintaining their innocence, and continues to pursue policy changes that would prevent wrongful convictions in three states: NY, PA and CA. With additional support and donations we hope to expand our efforts into three other states: AZ, FL and WA.

Our Financials

The Deskovic Foundation is a tax exempt organization under Internal Revenue Service Act Section 501(c)(3). Your donations are 100% tax deductible. Pur 501(c)(3) exemption is available on our Donate page. Our most recent IRS Form 990 is available below.

Help Us Fight for Justice

When the wrong person is sent to prison, their families and friends are sent with them, while the victim and his/her family is impacted as well. At the same time, society is in danger because the actual perpetrator is free to strike again. We hope you’ll join our fight to free the wrongfully imprisoned and prevent wrongful convictions by donating to our efforts.