Innocence Project of the San Diego District Attorney's Office

In 2000, the San Diego district attorney started reviewing pre-DNA convictions, particularly of those defendants who maintained their innocence, to ensure that justice had been done.  766 cases were reviewed (in both homicide and other cases); in cases where DNA evidence might have made a difference, and the evidence was available, inmates were asked whether they wanted a test done.  So far, the handful of tests actually performed have come back positive, or the inmate has declined the offer.  Indeed, when a former CHP officer in for a murder he claimed he didn't commit nevertheless declined to have his DNA tested pursuant to the program, the refusal was used as a basis to deny parole.  [Jack Chin]