Imagine spending years in prison for a crime you didn’t commit. Fairfax County is taking a big step to prevent that from happening by launching its first-ever Conviction Integrity Unit, a new effort to review possible wrongful felony convictions.

Fairfax County Commonwealth’s Attorney Steve Descano said he hoped the initiative will help to foster public trust in the justice system.

Wrongful convictions undermine public trust in the justice system and have devastating impacts on defendants, their families, and our community,” said Descano. “Establishing a Conviction Integrity Unit is a crucial part of making Fairfax County’s criminal legal system both fairer and more just.